BX 8610 
. J3 
1870 
Copy 1 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

: 

presented* 45 y 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



CATECHISM FOR CHILDREN, 



EXHIBITING THE 



PROMINENT DOCTRINES 



OF THE 



By ELDER JOHN JAQUES. 



" Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes 
Which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine 
of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living* God, and of 
baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands 
when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents; for 
this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her 

stakes which are organized And they shall also teach 

their children to pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord." Doc. 
and Cov. xxii. 4. 



FIFTEENTH THOUSAN D ... 




fake «it 8 : 

FOR SAIiE AT DBSERET NEWS OFFICE, THE CHURCH BOOK DEPOT. 
PUBLISHED BY GEORGE Q. CANNON, 

1870. 



\0 



$1° 




CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAG3 

NAME— BIRTH— BLESSING — BAPTISM— CONFIRMATION — DUTY TO 

GOD, PARENTS, AND MANKIND ... 5 

i 

CHAPTER II. 

ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF A GOD 8 

CHAPTER III. 

REVELATIONS OF GOD TO MAN 0 

CHAPTER IV, 

PLURALITY OF GODS IS 

CHAPTER V. 

PERSON, CHARACTER, AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD 15 

CHARTER VI. 



RELATION OF MEN TO GOD— PRE-EXISTENCE OF SPIRITS— EDUCA- 
TION, DEVELOPMENT, AND PERFECTION OF INTELLIGENT 
BEINGS 19 



IV. 

CHAPTER VII. 

PAGE 

COUNCIL IN HEAVEN— REBELLION OF LUCIFER — CREATION OR 

ORGANIZATION OF THE EARTH ... 21 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE FALL 27 

chapter; ix. 

REDEMPTION FROM THE FALL , ... ... 31 

CHAPTER X. 

3PAITH — REPENTANCE 34 

CHAPTER XI. 

BAPTISM ... ... 38 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT 41 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER 45 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST 49 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ... ... 53 

CHAPTER XVI. 
WORD OF WISDOM 58 

CHAPTER XVII. 

PRIESTHOOD — ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH €1 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

DISPENSATION OF THE FULLNESS OF TIMES 74 



CATECHISM FOR CHILDREN. 



CHAPTER 1. 

NAME — BIRTH — BLESSING — BAPTISM — CONFIRMATION — DUTY TO GOD, 
PARENTS, AND MANKIND. 

[Questions and Answers JSfos. 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 13, will be used 
according to circumstances. .] 

1. Q. What is your name? 

2. Q. Who gave you that name? 

A. My father and mother, and it was confirmed 
upon me when I was blessed by the Elders of the 
Church. 

3. Q. On what day, and in what month and year 
were you born? 

A. On the day of , in the year of our 

Lord . 

4. Q. In what town, county, and country were you 
born? 

A. In the town of , in the county of 

, in . 

5. Q. On what day, and in what month and year, 
were you blessed? 

A. On the day of , in the year of our 

Lord . 

B 



6 

6. Q. In what Branch and Conference of the Church 
were you blessed? 

A. In the Branch of the Con- 
ference. 

7. Q. Yfho pronounced the blessing upon you? 
A. Elder . 

8. Q. Have you been baptized? 
A. . 

9. Q. When were you baptized? 

A. On the day of , in the year of 

our Lord . 

10. Q. "Who baptized you? 

A. Elder [or Priesf] — . 

11. Q. In what Branch and Conference of the Church 
were you baptized? 

A. In the Branch of the Confer- 
ence. 

12. Q. When were you confirmed a member of the 
Church, by the laying on of hands for the Gift of the 
Holy Ghost? 

A. On the day of , in the year of our Lord 



13. Q. Who confirmed you? 
A. Elder — . 

14. Q. What duties should you perform? 

A. My duty to God. and my duty to my parents, 
and to all mankind. 

15. Q. What is your duty to God? 

A. To love Him with all my heart, and to keep 
His commandments. 

16. Q. Why should you love God, and keep His 
commandments? 



7 



A. Because it is by His power and goodness that 
I exist, and am sustained day by day. 

17. Q. What is your duty towards your parents? 
A. To love and obey them. 

18. Q, Why should you love and obey your parents? 
A. Because it is a command of God, and because 

they were the means of bringing me into the world; they 
nursed and fed me when I was a little babe, and now 
continually love me, and provide food, clothing and 
lodging for me. They watch over me in sickness, direct 
me in health, and teach me to be clean, neat, industri- 
ous, and orderly, so that when I have grown up I may 
be useful. 

19. Q. What is the reward of obedience to parents? 
A. A long life, with the constant favor and 

blessing of God, and eternal life and happiness in the 
world to come. 

20. Q. What is the punishment of disobedience to 
parents? 

A. A short life, with the constant displeasure 
and curse of God, and misery in the world to come. 

21. Q. What is your duty to all mankind? 

A. To love them, and to treat them with kind- 
ness. 

22. Q. Why should you love all mankind, and treat 
them with kindness? 

A. Because God commands it, and because all 
mankind desire to be happy, and, unless they love and 
strive to be kind to each other, they cannot be happy. 
Therefore all persons should love each other, that they 
may live as happily as possible. 



s 



CHAPTER II. 

ON THE KNOT7LEDGE OF A GOD. 

1. Q. How do you and mankind in general learn 
that there is a God? 

A, In three Iways. First— by tradition; second— 
by reason; third— by revelation. 

2. Q. How do mankind learn by tradition that there 
is a God? 

A. Parents tell their children that there is a God, 
the children in turn tell their children, and so on from 
parents to children it is handed down for hundreds and 
thousands of years. In this way mankind learn by 
tradition that there is a God. 

3. Q. How do mankind learn by reason that there is 

a God? 

A» They look around them, and see the sun shin- 
ing by day and not by night; they see and feel the long 
days and hot weather of summer, and the short days 
and cold weather of winter, come regularly round; they 
see the rains descend, and the fruits and verdure of the 
earth appear in their seasons; and as these things can- 
not be stopped, nor the times when they come be altered, 
by men, they conclude that there must be a Being much 
superior to man, who governs and directs all things. 
In this way, men learn by reason that there is a 
God. 

4. Q. How do men learn by revelation that there is a 
God? 

A. God reveals Himself to men; or He sends to 
them angels, who have greater power, knowledge, and 
glory than men; or He speaks to them by His own voice 



9 



from the heavens; or He gives them dreams and visions. 
In this way do men learn by revelation that there is a 
God. 

5. Q. Which is the best way of learning that there is 
a God? 

A. By revelation. Tradition and reason give in- 
distinct and unsatisfactory ideas of God, and of His 
character and attributes. By revelation alone can a 
definite and satisfactory knowledge be obtained. 

CHAPTER III. 

EEVELATIONS 03T GOD TO MAN. 

1. Q. Has God given many revelations to men? 
A. Yes, a great number. 

2. Q, Where have we any account of his doing so? 
A. In the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book of 

Doctrine and Covenants, and other publications of the 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

3. Q. Name one of these revelations recorded in the 
Old Testament? 

A. Tne Lord revealed himself to Abraham, and 
talked with him as one man talks with another. Gen. 
xviii. 1-5. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he 
sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. And he lifted up his eyes and 
looked, and, lo, three men stood by mm; and when he saw them, he 
ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the 
ground, and said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight 
pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant; Let a little water, I pray 
you, be f etched,and wash your f eet^ and rest vourselves under the tree 
and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after 
that ye shall pass on; for therefore are ye come to your servant, 
And they said, So do, as thou hast said," 



10 

4. Q. Is it recorded in the Old Testament that the 
Lord revealed Himself to several persons at the same 

time? 

A. Yes. God revealed Himself to Moses and 
many Eiders of Israel. Ex. xxiv. 9, 10. 

Bepeat the passage. 

i; Tiien went up Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and' seventy 
of the Elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel." 

5. Q. Can you recollect any other revelation recorded 
in the Old Testament? 

A. Yes. The Lord revealed himself to Isaiah. Is. 
vi. 1, 5. 

Bepeat the passage. 

"In the year that King TJzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting 
upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. . . 
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of 
unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unlean Hps, for 
mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." 

6. Q. Is there any record in the New Testament of 
God's sending an angel to any person? 

A. Yes. The Lord sent His angel to Zacharias, 
the father of John the Baptist. Luke L 5, 11, 12. 
Repeat the passage. 

"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain 
priest named Zacharias. . . . And there appeared unto him 
an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side ox the altar of in- 
cense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell 

upon him." 

7. Q. Did God open the Heavens to an^ one men- 
tioned in the New Testament? 

J.. Yes. God opened the heavens to the martyr 
Stephen. Acts vii. 55, 56. 
Bepeat the passage. 

"But he, being full of the Holy G-host, looked up steadfastly into 
heaven, and saw the glory of G-od, and Jesus standing on the* right 
hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the 
Bon of Man standing on the right hand of God." 

8. Q, Was Stephen the only person spoken of in the 
New Testament, who had the heavens opened unto 
him? 



11 

A. No. Others had the heavens opened to them. 
John the Revelator had while he was on the Isle of 
Patmos. Rev. xx. 11, 12. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from 
whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found 
no place for them. And X saw the dead, small and great, stani 
before GrOd." 

9. Q. Is there any account in the Book of Mormon, 
of God revealing himself to man? 

A. Yes. The Lord showed Himself to the brother 
of Jared. Book of Ether i. 8. 
Hepeat the passage. 

" And the Lord said unto him, believest thou the words which I 
shall speak? And he answered, yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest 
the truth, for thou art a G-od of truth, and canst not lie. And when 
he had said these words, behold the Lord shewed himself unto him, 
and said, because thou knowest these things, ye are redeemed from 
the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore 
I show myself unto you." 

10. Q. Did God reveal Himself to any person men- 
tioned in the Book of Mormon, besides the brother of 
Jared? 

A. Yes. God gave a revelation to Lehi. 1 Nephi 
i. 4, 5. 

Kepeat the passage. 
• "And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem, 
and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the spirit and 
the things which he had seen; and being thus overcome with the 
spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens 
open, and he thought that he saw Grod sitting upon his throne, sur- 
rounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of 
singing and praising their G-od. And it came to pass that he saw one 
descending out of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his lustre 
was above that of the sun at noon-day; and he also saw twelve 
others following him, and their brightness did exceed that of the 
stars in the firmament; and they came down and went forth upon 
the face of the earth; and the first came and stood before my father, 
and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should read." 

11. Q. Is it recorded in the Book of Mormon that 
God gave any revelation to a number of persons at 
once? 

A. Yes. God revealed Jesus Christ to a great 
multitude of the Nephites. Nephi v. 3, 4. 



12 

.Repeat the passage. 

H And it came to pass as they understood, they cast their eyes up 
again towards heaven, and behold they saw a man descending out of 
heaven, and he was clothed in a white robe, and he came down and 
stood in the midst of them, and the eyes of the whole multitude 
were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even 
one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was 
an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he 
stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying, behold I 
am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the 
world." 

12. Q. Is any account given, in any other publication 
of the Latter-day Saints, of God revealing Himself to 
any person in our day? 

A. Yes. The Lord revealed Himself and His 
Son Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith. Hist. Joseph Smith, 
Times and Seasons, vol. III. page 748; Supp. to Mill. 
Star, vol. xiv. page 2. Juvenile Instructor, vol. i. page i. 

Repeat the passage. 

" I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the bright- 
ness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It 
no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy 
which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two 
personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, stand- 
ing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by 
name, and said, pointing to the other— This is my beloved Son, hear 
him." 

13. Q. Can you mention any other revelation given 
in our day? 

A. Yes. The revelation of John the Baptist to' 
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Hist. Jos. Smith, 
Times and Seasons, vol. iii, page 865; Supp. to Millennial 
Star, vol. xiv. page 15. 

Repeat the passage. 

"While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the 
Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and 
having laid his hand upon us he ordained us, saying unto us — 'Upon 
you, my fellow-servants in the name of Messiah, I confer the 
Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of 
angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immer- 
sion for the remission of sins, and this shall never be taken away 
from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an oirering unto 
the Lord in righteousness.' 

. . . The messenger who visited us on this occasion, and conferred 
this priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that 
is called John the Baptist in the New Testament*" 



13 

14. Q. Are these all the revelations given in our day, 
and recorded in the publications of the Latter-day- 
Saints? 

A. No. Numerous revelations have been given 
in these days, many of which are published in the Book 
of Doctrine and Covenants: in one it is said that God 
opened the heavens to Joseph Smith and Sidney Big- 
don. Doc. and Cov. xcii, 3. 
Repeat the passage. 

"The Lord touched the eyes of our understanding's, and they 
were opened, and the glory ol the Lord shone round about, and we 
beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and re- 
ceived of his fulness; and saw the angels, and they who are sanctified 
before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worshiped 
him forever and ever. And now, after the many testimonies which 
have been given of him, this is the testimony last of all, which we 
give of him, that he lives; for we saw him, even on the right hand of 
God, and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the only be- 
gotten of the Father." 



CHAPTEB IV. 

PLURALITY OF GODS. 

1. Q. Are there more Gods than one? 
A. Yes, many. 1 Cor. viii. 5. 

Repeat the passage. 

<c There be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as 
there be gods many, and lords many.)" 

2. Q. Must we worship more than one God? 

A. "No. To us there is but one God, the Father of 
mankind, and the Creator of the earth. 1 Cor. viii. 6. 
Matt. iv. 10. 

Repeat the passages. 

"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all 
things." 

"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only Shalt thou 
serve," 



14 

3. Q. Is Jesus Christ called God? 

A. Yes, frequently. John i. 1, 14. 1 Tim. iii, 16. 
Book of Mormon, Mosiah viii. 5. 

Repeat the passages. 

" In the beginning' was the Word, and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God. ..... And the Word was made flesh, 

and dwelt among us, (and we "beheld his glory, the glory as of the 
only begotten of the Father, ) full of grace and truth." 

" And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; G-od 
was manifest in the flesh." 

" I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come 
down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people; and 
because he dwelleth in flesh, he shall be called the Son of God." 

4. Q. Is the Holy Ghost called God? 

A. It is called the Spirit of God, and is one with 
God. 1 Cor. ii. 11. 1 John v. 7. Doc. and Cov., Lec- 
tures on Faith, v. 1, 2, 



.Repeat the passages. 

" The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." 

"There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the 
Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 

" The Godhead—we mean the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. . . . 
These three are one; or, in other words, these three* constitute the 
great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things; by 
whom all things were created and made, that were created and 
made, and these three constitute the Godhead, and are one." 

o. Q. How can the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Spirit be one? 

A. They are one in character and attributes, but 
not in substance. 

6. Q. Can you substantiate this from the Scriptures? 
A. Yes. Jesus prayed that his disciples might be 
one with him, as he was one with God, which they 
could not be in anything but their character and attri- 
butes. John xvii. 21, 22, 23. 1 Cor. xii. 12, 13. Acts 
iv. 32. 

Bepeat the passages. 

" That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in 
thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe 
that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have 
given them; that they may be one even as we are one: I in them, 
and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one." 



15 

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the 
members of that one body, being- many, are one body; so also is 
Christ, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether 
we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and nave been 
all made to drink into one Spirit." 

" And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart an 1 
of one soul." 

7. Q. Who is the Lamb? 

A. Jesus Christ. John i. 29. 

Eepeat the passage. 

" The next day John seeth Jesus coming- unto him, and saitli, 
Behold the Lamb of God." 

8. Q. Who is the Father of Jesus Christ? 
A. God. Matt, iii, 16, 17. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the 
water. . . . And lo, a voice from heaven saying, This is my 
Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. " 



. — o 



CHAPTEE V. 



PERSON, CHARACTER, AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. 

1. Q. What kind of a being is God? 
A, He is in the form of a man. 

2. Q. How do you learn this? 

A, The Scriptures declare that man was made in 
the image of God. Gen. i. 26, 27. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"And G-od said, Let us make man in our image, after our 

likeness So G-od created man in his own image, in the 

image of God created he him; male and female created he them. " 

3. Q. Have you any further proof of God's being in 
the form of man? 

A. Yes. Jesus Christ was in the form of man, 
and was at the same time in the image of God's person. 
Heb. i. 3. 



18 

Repeat the passage. 

"Who "being- the brightness of his glory, and the express image of 
his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when 
he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the 
Majesty on high. " 

4. Q. Is it not said that God is a Spirit? 

A. Yes. The Scriptures say so. John iv. 24. 

Repeat the passage. 

" God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in 
spirit and in truth. " 

5. Q. How, then, can God be like man? 

A. Man has a spirit, though clothed with a body, 
and God is similarly constituted. 

6. Q. Has God a body, then? 

A. Yes, like unto a man's body in figure. Gen. 
xxxii. 24, 28, 30. Ex. xxiv. 9, 10, 11. 

Repeat the passages. 

" And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him 
until the breaking of day. . . . And he said thy name shall 
be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power 
with God and with men, and hast prevailed. . . And Jacob called 
the name of the place Peniel, for I have seen God face to face, and 
my life is preserved. " 

" Then went up Moses, and Aaron, and Nadab, and Abihu, and 
seventy of the Elders of Israel; And they saw the God of Israel; and 
there was under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, 
and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the 
nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw 
God, and did eat and drink. " 

7. Q. Is the person of God very glorious? 

A, Yes, infinitely glorious. Ex. xxiv. 17. Hab. 
iii. 3. 

Repeat the passages. 

" And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on 
the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. " 

"God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. 
Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his 
praise. " 

8. Q. Is God everywhere present? 

A. Yes. He is in all parts of the universe. Jer* 
xxiii. 23, 24. 1 Kings viii. 27. 



17 

Repeat the passages. 

" Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a G-od afar off? . . 
Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord. " 
" Behold the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ' ■ 

9. Q. If God is a person, how can he be everywhere 
present? 

A. His person cannot be in more than one place at 
the same time, but he is everywhere present by His 
Holy Spirit. Psalm cxxxix. 7, 8. 

Repeat the passage. 

" Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from 
thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make 
my bed in hell, behold thou art there. " 

10. Q. Does God see all things? 

A. Yes. Nothing can be hid from His gaze. 
Psalm xxxiii. 13, 14. Jer. xxiii. 24. Pearl of Great 
Price, page 5. 

Repeat the passages. 

" The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of mea. 
From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants 
of the earth. " 

" Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? 
saith the Lord. " 

" Wherefore I can stretch forth my hands and hold all the creations 
"which I have made; and my eye can pierce them also. " 

11. Q. Does God know all things pertaining to the 
workmanship of His hands? 

A. Yes. Nothing escapes his knowledge. Acts 
xy. 18. Doc. and Cov. vii. 10. Pearl of Great Price, 
pages 8, 10. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the 
-world. " 

" He comprehendeth all things. " 

" There is no God besides me, and all things are present with me, 
for I know them all. . . . All things are numbered unto me, for 
they are mine and I know them. " 

12. Q. Is God all-wise? 

A. Yes. His wisdom is past the comprehension 
of man. Rom. xi. 33. Col, ii. 3. 



IS 

Bepeat the passages. 

"O the depth of the riches toth of the "wisdom and knowledge of 
God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding 

out. " 

4 * In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. " 

13. Q. Is God all-powerful? 

A. Yes. More powerful than we can conceive. 
Dan. ii. 20. Is. xiv. 27. 

Bepeat the passages. 

" Blessed "be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and 
might are his. " 

" For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? 
and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it hack? " 

14. Q. Is God a Being of truth, justice, and righteous- 
ness? 

A. Yes, for he cannot lie nor sin. Bey. xv. 8. 
Psalm exlv. 17. 

Bepeat the passages. 

" Just and true are thy ways, thou King of Saints." 

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." 

15. Q. Is God a merciful Being? 

A. Yes. He is full of mercy and compassion. 
Psalm ixxxix. 14. Neh. ix. 17. 

Bepeat the passages. 

" Mercy and truth shall go before thy face." 

"But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful." 

16. Q. Does God vary in His character? 

A. No. He is an unchangeable Being. Malaehi 
iii. 6. James i. 17. 

Eepeat the passages. 

"For I am the Lord, I change not." 

"The Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither 
shadow of turning." 

17. Q. Bepeat the substance of what you have said 
concerning the character and attributes of God. 

A, God is a glorious Being, in the form of man; 
He is everywhere present; He sees and knows all things; 
He is full of wisdom, power, truth, justice, righteous- 
ness, and mercy; and He is an unchangeable Being. 



19 



CHAPTER. VI. 

BELATION OF MEN TO GOD— PBE-EXISTENCE OP SPIRITS— EDUCATION? 
DEVELOPMENT, AND PERFECTION OP INTELLIGENT BEINGS. 

1. Q. What relation do men sustain to God? 

A. All men are the children of God. Is. lxiv. 8. 
Eph. iv. 6. 
Repeat the passages. 

"But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay and thou 
our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." 
"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all." 

2. Q. How can God be the Father of all men, when 
every man has a natural father upon the earth? 

A, God is the Father of the spirits of all men. 
Heb. xii. 9. Eccl. xii. 7. 
Bepeat the passages. 

" We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave 
them reverence; shall we not much rather he in subjection unto the 
father of spirits, and live." 

" Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit 
shall return unto God who gave it." 

3. Q. Did the spirits of all men exist, then , before they 
took bodies upon the earth? 

A. Yes, they existed in the spirit world. Jer. i. 4, 
5. John vi. 62. 

Hepeat the passages. 

"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed 
thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou earnest forth out of 
the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the 
nations." 

"What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was 
before?" 

4. Q. For what purpose are the spirits of men sent to 
take bodies upon the earth? 

A. That they may be educated, developed, and 
perfected, that they may enjoy a fullness of knowledge* 



20 



power, and glory for ever, and thus increase the domin- 
ion and glory of God. 

5. Q. How many states of existence do intelligent 
beings, who become Gods, experience? 

A. Three grand states. 

6. Q. What is the first state of existence? 

A, Intelligences are begotten spirits— sons and 
daughters to God, in the spirit world, the spirits being in 
the form of man's natural body. 

7. Q. What is the second state of existence? 

A. The spirits are sent to dwell upon some world, 
and take upon themselves mortal bodies, and become 
more fully acquainted with the nature of good and evil, 
joy and sorrow, that their perception of pleasure and 
happiness may be perfected, and they thereby be enabled 
to appreciate and enjoy a fullness of bliss throughout 
eternity. 

8. Q. What is the third state of existence? 

A. After having laid down their mortal bodies, 
through corruption and death, the spirits receive bodies 
not subject to death, and those spirits who have been 
faithful to their Father in heaven during their first and 
second estates, are exalted as Kings and Priests, and they 
receive power, dominion, honor, and glory, similar to 
what God possesses, in celestial worlds, for ever and 
ever. 

9. Q. Have spirits, when in the spirit world, any 
understanding of the experience through which they 
must pass before their arrival at perfection? 

A. Yes; they have a general idea of it. Pearl of 
Great Price, page 24. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences 
that were organized before the world was; and among all these there 
were many of the noble and great ones; and G-od saw these souls that 



21 

they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said, These 
Will I make my rulers; for he stood among- those that were spirits, 
and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me, Abraham, 
thou art one of them, thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And 
there stood one among* them that was like unto God, and he said unto 
those who were with him, We will go down, for there is space there, 
and we will take of these materials and we will make an 
earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them here- 
with, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their 
God shall command them; and they who keep their first estate, 
shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate, 
shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep 
their first estate; and they who keep their second estate, shall have 
glory added upon their heads for ever and ever." 

10. Q. Did the spirits who were to take bodies on 
this earth rejoice or grieve at the prospect before them? 

A. They rejoiced, and sang songs together, and 
shouted aloud for joy. Job xxxviii. 4, 6, 7. 

Repeat the passage. 

"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? 
declare, if thou hast understanding*. ... Or who laid the corner- 
stone thereof, when the morning* stars sang* together, and all the 
sons of God shouted for joy?" 

11. Q. When we reflect upon these great and glorious 
truths, ought we to grieve or be glad that we now live in 
a world where we are liable to suffer hunger and thirst, 
misery, pain, and death? 

A. We ought to be glad, and rejoice, and our 
mouths ought to be filled with thanksgiving and praise 
to our Father in heaven, for the privilege which He has 
granted to us of coming into this world to know good 
and evil, and through our faithfulness, become Gods, even 
the sons of God, 



o— 



CHAPTER VII. 



COUNCIL IN HEAVEN— REBELLION OF LUCIFER— CREATION OR ORGAN- 
IZATION OF THE EARTH. 



1. Q- When the spirits pertaining to this earth were 

begotten, what event took place? 
c 



22 

A. A grand council, or series of councils, was held 
in heaven, when it was determined that this earth should 
be organized as a dwelling place for the spirits while 
they took upon themselves bodies; that all the works of 
organization should be concluded in seven days, or 
periods of time; and that on the seventh day the works 
should be sanctified, and the day also. Pearl of Great 
Price, pages 25, 27. 

Eepeat the passages. 

" And there stood one among" them that was like unto God, and he 
said unto those who were with him, We will go down, for there is 
space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make 
an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them here- 
with, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their G-od 
shall command them; and they who keep their first estate, shall be 
added upon; and they who keep not their first estate, shall not have 
glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; 
and they who keep their second estate, shall have glory added upon 
their heads for ever and ever. And the Lord said, whom shall I send? 
And one answered like unto the Son of Man, Here am I, send me. 
And another answered and said, Here am I, send me. And the Lord 
said, I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not 
his first estate, and at that day many followed after him. And then 
the Lord said, Let us go down." 

"And thus we will finish the heavens and the earth, and all the 
hosts of them. And the Gods said among themselves, On the seventh 
time we will end our work which we have counseled; and we will 
rest on the seventh time from all our work which we have counseled. 
And the G-ods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the 
seventh time they would rest from all their works which they (the 
Gods) counseled among themselves to form, and sanctified it. And 
thus were their decisions at the time that they counseled among 
themselves to form the heavens and the earth." 

2. Q. Who was it that was angry, and kept not his 
first estate, because he was not chosen? 

A. Lucifer, son of the morning. Doc. and Cov. 
xcii. 3. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God, who 
was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the 
only begotten Son, whom the Father loved, and who was in the 
bosom of the Father— was thrust down from the presence of God and 
the Son, and was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him— 
he was Lucifer, a son of the morning. And we beheld, and lo, he is 
fallen! is fallen! even a son of the morning." 

3. Q. What did Lucifer propose to do, if he were sent 
to the earth? 



23 

A. He proposed to bring all mankind to the enjoy- 
ment of the glory of God, whether they kept their second 
estate or not, provided God would give him His glory. 
Pearl of Great Price, page 13. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying", that Satan, whom 
thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same 
which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying, 
Behold me; send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all man- 
kind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it: wherefore 
give me thine honor." 

4. Q. What took place when Lucifer submitted his 
proposition to the council? 

A. His proposition was rejected by the council, 
upon which Lucifer became angry, and he, and those 
who adhered to him, rebelled, and were thrust down 
from heaven, and became the Devil and his angels. 
Pearl of Great Price, page 13. Doc. and Gov. x. 10. 
Repeat the passages. 

" Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought 
to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord Glod., had given him, 
and also, that I should give unto him mine own power, by the power 
of .mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down, and he 
became Satan, yea, even the Devil, the father of all lies." 

" Behold, the Devil was before Adam, that is, before Adam was in 
the garden, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, 
which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven 
turned he away from me because of their agency; and they were 
thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels." 

5. Q. Yfhat did the council do after the rebellion of 
Lucifer and his associates? 

A. They determined that the organization of the 
earth, &c, should be prosecuted according to the will of 
God. Pearl of Great Price, page 25. 

Repeat the passage 

" And then the Lord said, Let us go down; and they went down at 
the beginning, and they organized and formed (that is, the G-ods) the 
heavens and the earth. And the earth, after it was formed, was 
empty and desolate, because they had not formed anything but the 
earth; and darkness reigned upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit 
of the Grods was brooding upon the face of the waters." 

6. Q. "Was the earth originally formed out of nothing? 



24 

A. No. The elements of which it was organized 
always existed. It is impossible for anything to be 
formed of nothing. Pearl of Great Price, page 25. Doc. 
and Cov. lxxxiii. 5. 

Eepeat the passages. 

" We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of 
these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may 
dwell." 

"The elements are eternal." 

7. Q After the earth was formed, what was done on 
the first day of creation? 

A. Light was created, and divided from the dark- 
ness. Pearl of Great Price, page 25. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"And they (the G-ods) said, Let there be light ; and there was light. 
And they (the Gods) comprehended the light, for it was bright; and 
they divided the light, or caused it to be divided, from the darkness; 
and the Gods cabled the light day, and the darkness they called night. 
And it came to pass that xrom the evening until morning they called 
night; and from the morning until the evening they called day; and 
this was the first, or the beginning, of that which they called day 
and night." 

8. Q. What did the Gods do on the second day? 

A. They created an expanse, and divided the 
waters. Pearl of Great Price, page 25. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"And the Gods also said. Let there be an expanse in the midst of 
the waters, and it shall divide the waters from the waters. And the 
Gods ordered the expanse, so that it divided the waters which were 
under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; 
and it was so, even as they ordered. And the Gods called the 

expanse heaven This was the second time that they 

called night and day." 

9. Q. What did the Gods do on the third day? 

A. They gathered the waters on the earth into one 
place, and prepared the earth to bring forth herbs and 
fruits. Pearl of Great Price, page 25. 

Eepeat the passage. 

" And the Gods ordered, saying, Let the waters under the heaven 
be gathered together unto one place, and let the earth come up dry; 
and it was so, as they ordered; and the Gods pronounced the earth 
dry, and the gathering together of the waters, pronounced they, 
great waters: and the Gods saw that they were obeyed. And the 



25 

Gods said, Let us prepare the earth to bring- forth grass; the herb 
yielding seed; the fruit tree yielding fruit, after bis kind, whose seed 
in itself yieldeth its own likeness upon the earth; and it was so, even 
asthev ordered. And the Gods organized the earth to bring forth 
grass from its own seed, and the herb to bring forth herb from its 
own seed, yielding seed after his kind; and the earth to bring forth 
the tree from its own seed, yielding fruit, whose seed could only 
bring forth the same in itself, after his kind; and the Gods saw that 
they were obeyed. . . . And it was the third time." 

10. Q. What did the Gods do on the fourth day? 

A, They organized the lights in the heavens to 
shine by night and by day. Pearl of Great Price, 
page 26. 
Repeat the passage. 

M And the Gods organized the lights in the expanse of the heaven, 
and caused them to divide the day from the night; and organized 
them to be for signs and for seasons, and for days and for years; and 
organized them to be for lights in the expanse of the heaven, to give 
light upon the earth; and it was so. And the Gods organized the two 
great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to 
rule the night; with the lesser light, they set the stars also; and the 
Gods set them in the expanse of the heavens, to give light upon the 
earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to cause to 
divide the light from the darkness. And the Gods watched those 

things which they had ordered until they obeyed And it 

was the fourth time." 

11. q. What did the Gods do on the fifth day? 

A. They prepared the waters, &c, that fish, fowl, 
and moving creatures might be brought forth. Pearl of 
Great Price, page 26. 

Repeat the passage. 

"And the Gods said, Let us prepare the waters to bring forth 
abundantly the moving creatures that have life; and the fowl that 
they may fly above the earth in the open expanse of heaven. And 
the' Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great 
Whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters 
were to bring forth abundantly after their kind; and every winged 
fowl after their kind. And the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, 
and that their plan was good And it was the fifth time." 

12. Q. What did the Gods do on the sixth day? 

A, They prepared the earth to bring forth the 
cattle, the creeping things, and the beasts of the earth. 
Pearl of Great Price, page 26. 

Repeat the passage. 

U And the Gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living crea- 
ture after his kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the 
earth after their kind; and it was so, as they had said. And the Gods 



26 

organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their kind, and 
cattle after their kind, and everything- that ereepeth upon the earth 
after their kind; and the Gods saw they would obey. . ... And 
they numbered the sixth time.'* 

13. Q. What did the Gods do on the seventh day? 

A. They planted the Garden of Eden, on the earth, 
with herhs and trees, including the tree of life, and the 
tree of knowledge of good and evil, and placed Adam 
and Eve in the garden, and also placed the living 
creatures on the earth, and finished and sanctified the 
work of organization. Pearl of Great Price, pages 27, 28. 
Repeat the passage. 

" And the Gods said among themselves, on the seventh time we 
will end our work which we have counseled; and we will rest on the 
seventh time from all our work which we have counseled. And the 
Gods concluded upon the seventh time, because that on the seventh 
time they would rest from all their works which they (the Gods) 
counseled among themselves to form, and sanctified it. • . . . And 
the Gods planted a garden, eastward in Eden, and there they put the 
man, whose spirit they had put into the body which they had formed. 
And out of the ground made the Gods to grow every tree that is 
pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life, also, in the 
midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. . 
. . . And the Gods said, let us make an help-meet for the man, for 
it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form 

an help-meet for him And for Adam there was found an 

help-meet for him." 

14. Q. What dominion was given to Adam and Eve? 
A, They received dominion over all things upon 

the earth. Pearl of Great Price, page 27. 
Bepeat the passage. 

"And the Gods said, We will cause them to be fruitful, and multi- 
ply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and to have dominion 
over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every 
living thing that moveth upon the earth." 

15. Q. What commands were given to Adam and 
Eve? 

A. They were commanded to be fruitful and to 
multiply and replenish the earth, and also to eat not of 
the tree of knowlege of good and evil, for, if they ate of 
that, they would be subject to death, to which they were 
not subject when placed in the garden, but they were 
left free to obey or disobey the commands of the Gods. 
Pearl of Great Price, pages 12, 27. 



27 

Repeat the passages. 

" And I, God, blessed them, and I, God, said unto them, Be fruitful, 
and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." 

"And the 'Gods commanded the man, saying", Of every tree of the 
garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good 
and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest 
thereof, thou shalt surely die." 

16. Q. Who gave names to the living creatures on the 
earth? 

A. Adam. Pearl of Great Price, page 28. 
Repeat the passage. 

" And whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that should 
be the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, to the 
fowl of the air, to every beast of the field." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE FALL. 



1. Q. After Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden 
of Eden, what occurred? 

A. Satan entered the body of a serpent, and 
tempted Eve to partake of the tree of knowledge of good 
and evil, saying that God desired her and her husband 
not to eat of the tree, lest they should become as Gods. 
Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi i. 8. Pearl of Great Price, 
page 14. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is 
the Devil, who is the father of ail lies; wherefore he said, Partake of 
the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, 
knowing good and evil." 

"Yea, hath G-od said ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden, 
(and he spake by the mouth of the serpent,) but of the fruit of the 
tree which thou beholdest in the midst of the garden, God hath said 
ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye taste it, lest ye die. For God 
doth know that in the day ye eat thereof , then your eyes shall be 
opened, and ye shall be as 'Gods, knowing good and evil." 

2. Q. Did Eve partake of the fruit? 



28 

A. Yes, and gave some to Adani, and he ate thereof. 

Pearl of Great Price, page 14. 

Bepeat the passage. 

^"^5l wlienth ? ^ oman saw that the tree was good for food, and 
that it oeeame pleasant to the eye and a tree to be desired to make 
her wise, she took of the f ruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto 
her husband with her, and he did eat." 

3. Q. What was the immediate result of their eating 
of the tree. 

A. Their eyes were opened, and they were ashamed 
to meet the Lord, and they hid themselves from him. 
Pearl of Great Price, page 14. 

Repeat the passage. 

"And the eyes of them both were opened, and thev knew that they 
had been naked. And they heard the voice of the Lord God, as they 
were walking in the garden, in the eool of the day; and Adam and 
his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, among 
the trees of the garden." 

4. Q. What did the Lord do? 

A. He called to Adam, and questioned him and 
Eve, and they confessed their transgression. Pearl of 
Great Price, page 14. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where 
are you going? And he said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I 
was afraid, because I beheld that I was naked, and I hid myself. 
And the Lord God said unto Adam, Who told you that you were 
naked? Have you eaten of the tree whereof I told you that you 
should not eat, if so you should surely die? And the man said, The 
woman whom you gave me, and commanded that she should remain 
with me, gave me of the fruit of the tree, and I did eat. And the 
Lord God said unto the woman, What is this which you have done? 
And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." 

5. Q. What did the Lord then say to Eve? 

A. He told her that He would greatly multiply her 
sorrow and her conception, and that her husband should 
rale over her. Pearl of Great Price, page 14. 
Repeat the passage. 

"And again, the Lord said unto the woman, I will greatly multiply 
vour sorrow and your conception. In sorrow you shall bring forth 
children, and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule 
over you." 

6. Q. What did the Lord say to Adam? 



29 

A. The Lord said that the ground should be cursed 
for Adam's sake, and that he should eat of it in sorrow, 
and by the sweat of his face he should eat bread. Pearl 
of Great Price, page 14. 

Repeat the passage. 

"And the Lord God said unto Adam, Because you have hearkened 
unto the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the fruit of the tree 
of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it; cursed 
shall be the ground for your sake: In sorrow vou shall eat of it all 
the days of your life. Thorns also, and thistles shall it bring forth to 
you; and you shall eat the herb of the field. By the sweat of your 
face shall you eat bread." 

7. Q. Was the penalty of death inflicted upon Adam 
and Eve? 

A. Yes, spiritually and temporally. 

8. Q. What was the spiritual death? 

A. Banishment from the presence of the Lord. 
Doc. and Cov. x. 11. 

Repeat the passage. 

u Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out 
from the garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his trans- 
gression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, 
even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which 
shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall 6ay— Depart, ye 
cursed." 

9 e Q. What was the temporal death? 

A. Dissolution of the body. Pearl of Great Price, 
page 14. 
Repeat the passage. 

"You shall return unto the ground, for you shall surely die, for 
out of it you were taken: for dust you were, and unto dust you shall 
return." 

10. Q. Are all mankind subject to this sentence of 
death? 

A. Yes, none are exempt. Book of Mormon, 
Alma xix. 11. Rom. v. 12. 

Repeat the passages. 

"The fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well 
as a temporal." 

" Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death 
by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." 



so 



11. Q. What did the Lord do when He had driven 
Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden? 

A. The Lord placed an Angel at the Garden of 
Eden, with a flaming sword, which turned every way, 
to keep the tree of life, lest Adam and Eve should eat of 
it. Book of Mormon, Alma xix. 10. 

Eepeat the passage. 

" And he placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, Cherubim, 
and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to keep the tree of 
Jif e. Now we see that the man had "become as God, knowing good 
and evil: and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also or the 

tree of life, and eat The Lord God placed Cherubim and 

the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit." 

12. Q. What would have been the consequence if 
Adam and Eve had partaken of the tree of life? 

A. They would have lived'for ever, subject to the 
devil, in the midst of the misery and evil which their 
transgression had brought into the world, and the word 
of God would not have been fulfilled. Book of Mormon, 
Alma xix. 10. 

Bepeat the passage. 

" For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and 
partook of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to 

the word of God Yea, and also the word of God would 

have been void." 

13. Q. Was it necessary that Adam should partake of 
the forbidden fruit? 

A. Yes, unless he had done so he would not have 
known good and evil here, neither could he have had 
mortal posterity, and he could not have cleaved to Eve, 
as he had promised, after her fall. Pearl of Great Price, 
page 1. Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi i. 8. 

Bepeat the passages. 

'^Because that Adam fell we are." 

44 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed, he would not 
have fallen; but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. 
And all things which were created must have remained in the same 
state which they were after they were created; and they must have 
remained forever, and had no end. And they would have had no 
children; wherefore, they would have remained in a state of inno- 
cence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for 
they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the 



wMom of him who knoweth all tblng-3. Adam fell that men might 
be; and men are, that they might have joy." 

14. Q. Did Adam and Eve lament or rejoice because 
they had transgressed the commandment, and become 
acquainted with the nature of evil and good? 

A. They rejoiced and praised God. Pearl of Great 
Price, page 15. 
Repeat the passage. 

"And in that day Adam blessed God, and was filled, and began to 
prophesy concerning all the families of the earth; Blessed be the 
name of G-od for my transgression, for in this life I shall have joy, 
and again in my flesh I shall see G-od. And Eve, his wife, heard all 
these things and was glad, saying, Were it not for our transgression 
we should never have had seed, and should never have known good 
and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which 
G-od giveth unto all the obedient. And Adam and Eve blessed the 
name of G-od; and they made all things known unto their sons and 
their daughters." 

15. Q. Is it proper for us to consider the transgression 
of Adam and Eve as a grievous calamity, and that all 
mankind would have been infinitely more happy if the 
Fall had not occurred? 

A. No. But we ought to consider the Fall of our 
first parents as one of the great steps to eternal exaltation 
and happiness, and one ordered by God in His infinite 
wisdom, for we can not know the excellency and beauty 
of that w T hich is good, unless we experience the wretch- 
edness and deformity of that which is evil. 



■ — -o— 



CHAPTEB IX. 

REDEMPTION FROM THE FALL. 

1. Q. Had Adam and Eve any power to recover from 
the effects of the Fall? 

A. No, not the least power of themselves. 



2. Q. Why had they no power of themselves to 
recover from the Fall? 

A. Because the justice of God required a sacrifice 
to atone for the broken law, and our first parents being 
subject, through transgression, to the penalty of the law* 
they could not make the sacrifice. 

3. Q. How then was a redemption from the effects 
of the Fall wrought out? 

A. God sent His only begotten Son, who knew no 
sin, to die for the sins of the world, and thus satisfy the 
demands of justice. Bom. v. 8, 10. 1 Tim. i. 15. 

Repeat the passages. 

"But G-od commendeth his love toward HS, in that, while we were 

yet sinners, Christ died for us When we were enemies, 

we were reconciled to G-od by the death of his Son." 

"This is a faithful saying", and worthy of all acceptation, that 
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." * 

4 Q. Can men be redeemed from the Fall, through 
the mediation of any other being than Jesus Christ, or 
in any other way than the one He pointed out? 

A. No, the redemption by Jesus Christ is the only 
one. Acts iv. 12. Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi iii. 3. 
Mosiah i. 15. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other 
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must he saved." 

"WTierefore all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and 
ever would he, save they should rely on this Redeemer." 

"There shall be no other name given, nor any other way nor means 
whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and 
through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent." 

5. Q. When an atonement was made, did mercy 
claim redemption for men? 

A. Yes, as far as they had suffered by the fall of 
Adam. 1 Cor. xv. 22. Rom. v. 18. 

Repeat the passages. 

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 

"Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men 
to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift 
came upon all men unto justification of life." 



38 

6. Q. Does not the redemption of Christ extend to the 
personal transgressions of all mankind? 

A, Yes, but only upon conditions of obedience. 
Horn. ii. 6—10. 1 John i. 7. 

Repeat the passages. 

" Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them 
who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for giory and honor 
and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, 
and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and 
wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul ox man that doeth 
evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honor, and 
peace, to every man that worketh good." 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow- 
ship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth 
us from all sin." 

7. Q. Are all men accounted sinners in the sight of 
God? 

A. All mankind who have arrived at the years of 
accountability, have in something or other, transgressed 
the law of righteousness. Eom. iii. 23. 1 John i. 8. 

Repeat the passages. 

" For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." 
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 
truth is not in us." 

8. Q. Are little children considered sinners in the 
sight of God? 

A, No, they are redeemed solely through the atone- 
ment of Christ, Doc. and Cov. x. 13. Book of Mormon, 
Mosiah i. 14. 
Repeat the passages. 

"But, behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed 
from the foundation of the world through mine only begotten; 
Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to 
tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before 
me." 

" The law of Moses availeth nothing, except it were through the 
atonement of his blood; and even if it were possible that little chil- 
dren could sin, they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are 
blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the 
blood ox Christ atoneth for their sins." f 

9. Q. What is the plan of redemption generally 
called? 



34 

A. The Gospel, or plan of salvation. 

10. Q. Do the conditions of the Gospel, or plan of 
salvation, ever change? 

A. No, they are unchangeable as their Author, 
and a curse rests upon any one who may attempt to per- 
vert the Gospel, or preach any other plan of salvation. 
Gal. i. 8, 9. 2 John 9, 10, 11. 

Repeat the passage3. 

" But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel 
tmto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be 
accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach 
any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be 
accursed." 

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of 

Christ, hath not God If there come any unto you, and 

bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid 
him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his 
evil deeds." 

11. Q. With what feelings ought we to regard the 
Lord Jesus Christ, when we consider the love manifested 
by him to us? 

A. We ought to feel towards him the warmest 
gratitude and love, and be ready to keep all his com- 
mandments and precepts. 



CHAPTER X. 

FAITH — REPENTANCE, 

1. Q. What is the first principle of the Gospel, or 
plan of salvation? 

A. Faith. 

2. Q. In whom must we have faith? 

A. In God, and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. 
Book of Mormon, Mosiah ii. 2, 3. John iii. 16. 



35 

Eepeat the passages. 

" Believe in God, believe that he is, and that he created all 
things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he is all wisdom, 
and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth 
not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. And 
again: Believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, 
and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that 
he would forgive you.*' 

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that 
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting 
life." 

3. Q. Is it necessary that all men should exercise 
faith in order to secure salvation? 

A. Yes, faith is required of all men. Heb. xi. 6. 
Mark xvi. 16. 

Repeat the passages. 

" Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that coineth 
to God must believe that he is, and that he is a re warder of them that 
diligently seek him." 

" He that believeth not shall be damned." 

4. Q. What is faith, besides being the first principle 
of salvation? 

A. Faith is a principle of power, in fact the foun- 
dation of power. Mark xi. 22-24. 

Bepeat the passage. 

"Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever 
shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast 
into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that 
those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatso- 
ever he saith; Therefore, I say unto you, What things soever ye 
desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have 
them." 

5. Q. Name some events in which the power of faith 
was manifested. 

A. By faith Enoch was translated without seeing 
death; by faith the children of Israel, under Moses, 
passed through the Eed Sea, as on dry land, while the 
Egyptians in attempting to do the same were drowned; 
by faith the walls of Jericho fell down, at the blowing 
of the rams' horns, and the shouting ' of the people; by 
faith the brother of Jared saw the Lord; and by faith 
Nephi learned that his seed would fall away from the 



36 

truth, and also that the Gospel, and the record of their 
fathers should in the latter days be made known among 
them. 

6. Q. If faith is so powerful, can we not be saved by 
it alone, as some men believe? 

A. No. Faith without further obedience is useless, 
James ii. 14, 20, 26. Book of Mormon, Mosiah ii. 3. 

Bepeat the passages. 

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith 
and hath not works? can faith save him? .... But wilt thou 

know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? For 

as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead 
also." 

"And now if you believe all these things, see that ye do them." 

7. Q. What is the second principle of salvation? 
A. Bepentance. 

8. Q. Does repentance consist in mourning and 
groaning, and hanging down our heads sorrowfully? 

A. No. A man may do all those things and yet 
never repent. 

9. Q. Then what is repentance? 

A. Forsaking sin, with full purpose of heart to 
work righteousness. Isaiah lv. 7. 

Repeat the passage. 

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his 
thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy 
upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." 

10. Q. Is it necessary for all men to repent? 

A. Yes. None who have arrived at years of ac- 
countability can be excused. Luke xiii. 3; xxiv. 47. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." 
"That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his 
name among all nations." 



87 



CHAPTER XL 



BAPTISM. 



1. Q. What is the third principle of the Gospel? 
A. The Baptism of Water. 

2. Q. What is the proper mode of water baptism? 

A. The person to be baptized goes, with another 
person properly authorized, into the water, and is im- 
mersed by him. Book of Mormon, Nephi v. 8. Doc. 
and Cov. ii. 21. 

Repeat the passages. 

"On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations 
among 1 you. Yerily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins 
through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this 
wise shall ye baptize them: behold, ye shall go down and stand in the 
water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. And now behold, 
these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying, 
Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 
And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again 
out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my 
name, for behold verily I say unto you, that the Father and the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in 
me, and the Father and I are one. And according as I have com- 
manded you, thus shall ye baptize." 

"Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all 
those who repent—The person who is called of God, and has authority 
from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the 
person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, 
calling him or ner by name—Having been commissioned of Jesus 
Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the 
water, and come forth again out of the water." 

3. Q. Is not baptism called a burial? 

A. St. Paul calls it so. Rom. vi. 4, 5. Col. ii. 12. 
Repeat the passages. 

i ' Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like 
as Christ was raised up from the dead *by the glory of the Father, 
even so we also should walk in newness or life. For if we have been 
planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the 
likeness or his resurrection." 

"Buried with him in baptism." 



as 

4. Q. Do not many people believe that baptism 
should be performed by sprinkling or pouring water 
upon the person? 

A. Yes, but such people are in error, and their 
sprinkling or pouring is of no avail, for God does not 
recognize it. 

5. Q. For what is baptism ordained? 

A. For the remission of sins. Acts ii. 38. Book 
of Mormon, Nephi v. 9. 

Repeat the passages. 

" Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus 
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the 
Holy Ghost." 

"Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come 
down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be 
visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remis- 
sion of their sins." 

6. Q. Is remission of sins to be obtained by mere im- 
mersion in water? 

A. Of itself, immersion in water cannot remit a 
man's sins, 

7. Q. How, then, can remission of sins be obtained 
by baptism? 

A. Because God has ordained that a man's sins 
shall be remembered no more against him after he has 
repented, and has been properly baptized by one having 
authority. It is the appointment and command of God 
that give power and virtue to any ordinance. 

8. Q. But as baptism is an outward ordinance, can- 
not men be saved without it if they believe and repent? 

A. No person who has arrived at years of accounta- 
bility, and has heard the Gospel, can be saved without 
baptism. Book of Mormon, Nephi v. 8-9. Doc. and 
Gov. iv. 12. 

Kepeat the passages. 

"And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, thall be 



39 

damned And again I say unto you, ye must repent, am* 

be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in no 
wise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily I say uiito you, that 
thiols my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this, buildeth upon my 
rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your 
words, and are not baptized in water, in'my name, for the remission 
of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, 
and shall not come into my Father's kingdom, where my Father and 
lam." 

9. Q. Who are the proper subjects of baptism?. 

A. Those persons who have come to years of ac- 
countability. Doc. and Gov. ii. 20; xliii. 6. 

Repeat the passages. 

"No one can be received into the Church of Christ, unless he has 
arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable 
of repentance." 

"For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, 
but women, and children who have arrived to the years of 
accountability. " 

10. Q. Then little children are not required to be 
baptized? 

A. Little children are not held accountable before 
God, and therefore are not considered sinners, conse- 
quently they need no baptism. Book of Mormon, 
Moroni viii. 2. 

Bepeat the passage. 

"Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous, but sinner3 
to repentance: the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; 
Wherefore little children are whole, for they are not capable of com- 
mitting sin Behold, I say unto you, that this thing shall 

ye teach, repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable, 
and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must 
repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little chil- 
dren, and they shall all be saved with their little children; and their 
little children need no repentance, neither baptism." 

11. Q. Do not many persons teach that little children 
will not be saved, unless they are baptized? 

A. Yes, but such a doctrine is very wicked, and 
an abomination in the sight of God. Book of Mormon, 
Moroni viii. 2, 3. 

Bepeat the passage. 

"Wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery 
before God, that ye should baptize little children Where- 
fore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must 



40 

have gone to an endless hell. Behold, I say unto you, that he that 
supposeth that little children need baptism/is in the gall of bitter- 
ness, and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor 
charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he 
must go down to hell. For awful is the wickedness to suppose that 
God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish 
because he hath no baptism. Woe be unto him that shall pervert 
the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish, except 
they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from 

God Little children cannot repent; wherefore it is awful 

Wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are 
all alive in him because of his mercy. And he that saith that little 
children need baptism, denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at 
naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption. Woe 
unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an endless 
torment. I speak it boldly, God hath commanded me." 

12. Q v At what age are children considered account- 
able, and old enough to be baptized? 

A. The children of the Saints are considered old 
enough at eight years to be baptized. Doc. and Cov. 
xxii. 4. 
Repeat the passage. 

" And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of 
her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand 
the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, 
and of baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of 
the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the 
parents; for this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any 
of her stakes which are organized; and their children shall be bap- 
tized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive 
the laying on of the hands, and they shall also teach their children to 
pray and to walk uprightly before the Lord." 

13. Q. What is baptism sometimes called? 

A. The law of adoption, or the door of the king- 
dom of God. 

14. Q. Why is baptism so called? 

A. Because mankind having become, through 
sin, strangers and aliens to God, they, by obeying the 
ordinance of baptism, become His adopted children, and 
members of His kingdom. 



11 



CHAPTER XII. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

1 Q. When a person has been baptized, what is it his 
privilege to receive? 

A. The gift of the Holy Spirit. 

2. Q. What is the Holy Spirit commonly called? 
A. The Holy Ghost. 

3. Q. What did Jesus Christ call it? 
A. The Comforter. 

4. Q. For what is the Holy Ghost given? 

A. To cheer, comfort; and enlighten the mind, 
strengthen the memory, and lead into all truth, that 
men may become perfect. John xiv. 26. 
Repeat the passage. 

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father 
will send in my name, he shall teach you all thing's, and bring all 
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." 

5. Q. What are the peculiar manifestations of the 
Holy Ghost? 

A. Amongst others, visions, dreams, prophecies, 
speaking in divers tongues, interpretation of tongues, 
discernment of spirits and angels; knowledge, wisdom, 
extraordinary faith, healings, and miraculous powers. 
1 Cor. xii. 8-11. Book of Mormon, Moroni x. 1. 

Repeat the passages. 

" For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another 
the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the 
same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to 
another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another 
discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to 
another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that 
one and the self same spirit, dividing to every man severally as he 
will." 



42 

" Ana again I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifta 
of G-od, for they are many; and they come from the same G-od. And 
there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is 
the same God who worketh all in all; and thev are given by the man- 
ifestations of the Spirit of G-od unto men, to profit them. For behold, 
to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may teach the word of 
wisdom; and to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge 
by the same Spirit; and to another, exceeding great faith; and to 
another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit. And again, to 
another, that he may work mighty miracles; and again, to another, 
that he may prophesy concerning all things; and again, to another, 
the beholding of angels and ministering spirits; and again, to another, 
all kinds of tongues; and again, to another, the interpretation of 
languages and of divers kinds of tongues." 

8. Q, Can these manifestations of the Holy Ghost be 
obtained by men in all ages of the world? 

A. The manifestations of the Holy Ghost always 
follow faith in, and obedience to, the Gospel of Jesus 
Christ, Acts ii. 38,39. Book of Mormon, Moroni vli. 
4; x. 1. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus 
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the 
Holy G-host. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and 
to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our Gk>d shall call." 

"Has the day of miracles ceased? "or have angels ceased to appear 
unto the children of man? or has He withheld the power of the Holy 
G-host from them? or will He so long as time shall last, or the earth 
shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be 
saved? Behold I say unto you nay." 

"And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remem- 
ber that he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and that all 
these gifts of which I have spoken, wiiich are the spiritual, never 
Will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only 
according to the unbelief of the children of men." 

7. Q. Do not many people teach that these gifts are 
done away and no longer needed? 

A. Yes, but such persons are false teachers, and 
the wrath of God is kindled against them, for where 
these gifts are not enjoyed, unbelief, darkness, confusion, 
strife and wickedness are sure to prevail. Prov. xxix. 
18. Micah ii. 6, 7. Book of Mormon, Nephi xiii. G. 
Mormon iv. 6. Moroni x. 2. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." 

"Prophesy y© not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not 



41 

prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame. O thou that art 
named the house of Jacob, is the Spirit of the Lord straightened? are 
these his doings? Do not my words do good to him that walketh 
uprightly?" 

"Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord; yea, wo 
unto him that shall deny the Christ and his works; yea, wo unto him 
that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the 
Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, 
or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost: 
yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, that there can be no 
miracle wrought by Jesus Christ, to get gain; for he that doeth this, 
shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no 
mercy, according to the word of Christ." 

" And again I speak unto you, who deny the revelations of God, 
and say that they are done aVay, that there are no revelations, nor 
prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and 
the interpretation of tongues. Behold I say unto you, he that denieth 
these things, knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he hath not read 
the Scriptures; if so, he does not understand them. For do we not 
read that God is the ame yesterday, to-dav, and for ever; and in him 
there is no variableness, neither shadow of changing. And now, if 
ye have imagined up unto yourselves a God who doth vary, and. in 
him there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto 
yourselves a God who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will 
shew unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the 
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who 
created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are." 

" And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth, that if the day 
cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among 
you, it shall be because of unbelief. And wo be unto the children of 
men, if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good 
among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth 
good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God. And wo unto 
them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their 
sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it 
according to the words of Christ, and I lie not." 

8. Q. Does not St. Paul say that these gifts shall van- 
ish away? 

A. Yes, but not until the Saints are made perfect: 
1 Cor. xiii. 8, 9, 10. 

Eepeat the passage. 

" But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there 
be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall 
vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But 
when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall 
be done away." 

9. Q. How is it, then, that the manifestations of the 
Holy Ghost are not enjoyed by religious people in 
general? 

A. Because of their unbelief, Book of Mormon, 
Mormon iv, 7. 



44 

Repeat the passage. 

"And now? 0 all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a God 
who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things 
past, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say 
unto you, nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles: 
Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought, marvellous in our 
eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? 
Who shall say that it was not a miracle, that by his word the heaven 
and the earth should be; and by the power of his word, man was 
created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word, hath 
miracles been wrought? And who shall say that Jesus Christ did 
not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty mira- 
cles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles 
wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet 
be an unchangeable being? And behold I say unto you he changeth 
not; if so, he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, 
and is a God of miracles. And the reason he ceaseth to do miracles 
among the children of men, is because that they dwindle in unbelief, 
and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they 
should trust. Behold I say unto you, that whoso believeth in Christ, 
doubting nothing, whatsoever he'shall ask the Father in the name of 
Christ it shall be granted him ; and this promise is unto all, even unto 
the ends of the earth. For behold, thus saith Jesus Christ, the Son 
of God, unto his disciples who should tarry; yea, and also to all his 
disciples, in the hearing of the multitude, Go ye into all the world, 
and preach the gospel to every creature; and he that believeth and is 
baptized, shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned, 
and these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they 
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up 
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; 
they shall lay hands on the sick, and thev shall recover; and whosoever 
shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm 
all my words, even unto the ends of the earth. And now behold, 
who can stand against the works of the Lord? who can deny his 
savings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of the Lord? 
Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the chil- 
dren of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of the 
Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish.. 

10. Q. In what manner is the Gift of the Holy Ghost 

communicated to man? 

A. By the laying on of hands of those having 

authority. Acts viii. 17. Book of Mormon, Moroni ii. 1. 

Doc. and Cov. lix. 6. 

Eepeat the passages. 

"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy 
Ghost." 

" The words of Christ, which he spake unto his discinles, the Twelve 
whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them." And he called 
them by name, saying, Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in 
mighty prayer; and after ye have done this, ye shall have power, 
that on him whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy 
Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine Apostles. . 
. . And on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost." 

"And again, it shall come to pass, that on as many as ye shall bap- 
tize with water, ye shall lay your hands, and they shall receive the 
gift of the Holy Ghost." 



45 



11. Q. Have not many persons received the Gift of 
the Holy Ghost without the laying on of hands? 

A. Yes, the house of Cornelius, the centurion, did. 
Acts x. 44. 

Repeat the passage. 

" While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all 
them which heard the word." 

12. Q. How should persons conduct themselves after 
they have received the Holy Ghost, in order to retain it? 

A. They should be very humble and prayerful, 
and should strive to keep all the commandments of the 
Lord, observe all his precepts, and live by every word 
that proceedeth from His mouth. 



CHAPTER XIII, 

THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

1. Q. What is the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper? 
A. Partaking of bread and wine. 

2. Q. "Who instituted the Sacrament? 
A. The Lord Jesus Christ. 

3. Q. For what purpose was it instituted? 

A. To commemorate his sufferings and death. 1 
Cor. xi. 23-26. 

Eepeat the passage. 

" Tor I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto 
you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed 
took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, 
Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in re- 
membrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, 
when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my 
blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For 
as often as ve eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the 
Lord's death till he come." 



46 

4. O. Can any one administer th© Sacrament? 

A, No, only those who have received authority. 

5. Q. Among what people did Jesus Christ institute 
the Sacrament? 

A. Among his Jewish disciples at Jerusalem, jus* 
previous to his death, and among his Nephite disciples 
in America, just after his resurrection. Matt. xxvi. 
26-29. Book of Mormon, Nephi viii. 6, 7. 
Repeat the passages. 

* And as they were eating", Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and 
brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my 
body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, 
saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the New Testament, 
wnich is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto 
you, I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until that 
day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." 
- "And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they 
should bring forth some bread and wine unto him. And while they 
were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that 
they should sit themselves down upon the earth. And when the 
disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread, and 
blessed it and brake it: and he gave unto the disciples, and com- 
manded that they should eat. And when they had eat, and were 
filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude. And 
when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disci- 
ples, Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will 
I give power that he shall break bread, and bless it, and give it unto 
the people of my church, unto all . those who shall believe and be 
baptized in my name. And this shall ye always observe to do, even 
as I have done, even as I have broken bread, and blessed it, and gave 
unto you. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which 
I have shewn unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father, 
that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember 
me, ye shall have my spirit to be with you. And it came to pass that 
when he had said these words, he commanded his disciples that thev 
should take of the wine of the cup, and drink of it, and that they 
should also give unto the multitude, that they might drink of it. And 
it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it, and were filled; 
and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were 
filled. And when the disciples had done this Jesus said unto them, 
Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling 
my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye 
are willing to do that which I have commanded you. And this shall ye 
always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye 
shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, 
that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember 
me. And if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my spirit to 
be with you. And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do 
these things. And if ye shall always do these things, blessed are ye, 
for ye are built upon my rock." 

6. Q. Have all the members of the Church of Christ 
a right to partake of the Sacrament? 



/ 



47 

A. All, excepting those who are under condemna- 
tion. 1 Cor. xi. 27-30. Book of Mormon, Nephi viii. 9. 
Doc. and Cov. xvi. 1. 

Repeat the passages. 

"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of 
the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the 
Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that 
bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh un- 
worthily, eateth and drinketh condemnation to himself, not discern- 
ing the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly 
among you, and many sleep." 

a And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, 
he turned his eyes again upon the disciples whom he had chosen, 
and said unto tliem, Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto 
you another commandment, and then I must go unto my Father, 
that I may fulfil other commandments which he hath given me. 
And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you, 
that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly, to partake of my flesh 
and blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it, for whoso eateth 
and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily, eateth and drinketh 
damnation to his' soul; therefore if ye know that a man is unworthy 
to eat and drink of my flesh and blood, ye shall forbid him; never- 
theless ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall 
minister unto him, and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my 
name, and if it so be that he repenteth,and is baptized in my name,then 
shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and 
blood; but if he repent not, he shall not be numbered among my 
people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I know mv 
sheep, and they are numbered; nevertheless ye shall not cast him out 
of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye 
continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and 
repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall 
heal them, and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto 
them. Therefore keep these sayings which I have commanded you, 
that ye come not under condemnation, for Wo unto him whom the 
Father condemneth." 

4 f Ye are also commanded not to cast any one, who belongeth to 
the Church, out of your Sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any 
have tresspassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation." 

7. Q. How is the bread administered? 

A. The person having authority breaks the bread, 
asks a blessing on it, and then gives it to the Church 
assembled. Doc. and Cov. ii. 22. 

Bepeat the passage. 

" It is expedient that the Church meet together often to partake of 
bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord Jesus; and the Elder or 
Prie-t shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer 
it— he shall kneel with the Church and call upon the Father in 
solemn prayer, saying— 0 G-od, the eternal Father, we ask thee in 
the name of thy Son Jesus Christ to bless and sanctify this bread to 
the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remem- 
brance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the 
eternal Father, thai they ar© willing to take upon them the name of 



48 

thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments 
which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be 
with them. Amen." 

8. Q. How is t]ie wine administered? 

A. A blessing is asked upon it by the person having 
authority, and then he gives it to the Church. Doc. and 
Gov. ii. 23. 

Repeat the passage. 

"The manner of administering the wine. He shall take the cup 
also, and say— O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of 
thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all 
those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood 
of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto 
thee, O God, the eternal Father, that they do always remember him, 
that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." 

9. Q. How often does the Church ot Christ partake 
of the Sacrament? 

A. Generally every Sunday. 

10. Q. Will Jesus Christ ever again partake of the 
Sacrament? 

A. Yes, when he comes to the earth again. Doc. 
and Cov. 1. 2, 3. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"Wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of 
the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni; . . . 

and also with Elias and also John, the son of Zacharias; 

. . . ; and also Elijah; .... and also with Joseph, and Jacob, 
and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises 
remain; and also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince 

of all, the ancient of days And also with Peter, and James, 

and John; .... and also with all those whom my Father hath 
given me out of the world." 

11. Q. Are bread and wine always used in the Sacra- 
ment? 

A. No. Water is occasionally used, when wine 
made by the Church cannot be obtained. 

12. Q. When wine is not to be had, is the use of 
water equally acceptable in the sight of God? 

A. Yes. It was through a revelation from Him, 
that water was first used in the Sacrament. Doc. and 
Cov. L I, 2. 



49 

Repeat the passage. 

"For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall 
eat, or what ye shall drink, when ye partake of the Sacrament, if it 
so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory; remembering unto 
the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood 
which was shed for the remission of your sins; wherefore a com- 
mandment I give unto you, that you shall not purchase wine, neither 
strong drink, of your enemies; wherefore, ye shall partake of none, 
except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father's kingdom 
Which shall be built upon the earth. Behold, this is wisdom in me." 

13. Q. What was designed in the institution of the 
Sacrament? 

A. As it is administered to commemorate the 
sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, it appears to be 
instituted also that the members of the Church may 
reflect on the mission of their Redeemer, and thereby be 
led to be more humble, faithful, and united, and receive 
of his spirit more fully, so that they may become one 
with him. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST* 

1. Q. What are those who believe and obey the truth 
called? 

A. Saints. 

2. Q* What are they called as an organized body of 
people? 

A. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints. 

3. Q. Are there more Churches of Christ on the earth 
than one? 

A. No. There can be but one, and though that one 
may have many branches, they must all be united, and 
be subject to one head. 



50 



4. Q. Is it right that any branch of the Church of 
Christ should call itself the Church of England, or the 
Wesleyan Methodist Church, or the New Connexion 
Methodist Church, or the Reformed Methodist Church, 
or the General Bax>tist Church, or the Particular Bap- 
tist Church? 

A. No. God highly disapproves of such names 
being applied to His Church or any portion thereof. 1 
Cor. i. 10-13; iii. 3-7. 



Repeat the passages. 

"Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, that ye all speak the same thing-, and that there be no divi- 
sions among- you; but that ye be perfectly joined tog-ether in the 
same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared 
unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of 
Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that 
every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of 
Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for 
you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" 

« For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying', 
and strife, and' divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For 
while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye 
not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by 
whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have 
planted", Apollos watered; but G-od gave the increase. *So then neither 
is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that 
giveth the increase." 



5. Q. Are these societies which use such names 
'branches of the Church of Christ? 

A. No, for they have heen founded in the wisdom 
of this world, hy men who have not received authority 
from God. 

6. Q. Why are such names given to societies of men 
who profess to belong to the Church of Christ? 

A. Because the founders of those societies, not 
being instructed of the Lord, have not known His will 
in the matter, consequently such societies have been 
named according to the taste of the founders, or of the 
people, after the names of the founders, or after some 
peculiar doctrines or circumstances connected with the 
societies. 



51 



7. Q. Are such societies united, and subject to one 
head? 

A. No. They are divided, and they contend one 
with another. Indeed, some have separated themselves 
from others, for instance— the Reformed Methodist 
Church, and the New Connexion Methodist Church, 
separated themselves from the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church; the "Wesleyan Methodist Church separated itself 
from the Church of England; and the Church of England 
separated itself from the Roman Catholic Church. 

8. Q. How does God look upon divisions and separa- 
tions from the Church of Christ? 

A, Jude, 16-19. 

.Repeat the passage. 

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking* after their own 
lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling- words, having 1 men's 
persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remem- 
ber ye the words which were spoken before of the Apostles of our 
Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers 
in the last time, who should walk after their own ung-odly lusts. 
These be they that separate themselves, sensual, having- not the 
Spirit." 

9. Q. What are persons who separate themselves 
from the Church of Christ called? 

A. Apostates, because they apostatize or fall away 
from truth and righteousness. 

10. Q. Are the various religious societies apostate 
churches? 

A. No, because they never constituted any part of 
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 

11. Q. Why is this called the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints? 

A. To distinguish it from the Church that ex- 
isted in former days, as these are the Latter days in 
which we live. 

12. Q. How was this name given to the Church? 

A, By revelation from God, through His servant 
Joseph Smith. Times and Seasons, Vol. vi. page 922* 



52 



Repeat the passage. 

" Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my servant Joseph Smith, 
iunior, and also my servant Sidney Rigdoii, and also my servant 
Hvrum Smith, and your Counselors who are and who shall be here- 
after appointed, and also unto my servant Edward Partridge, and 
his Counselors, and also unto my faithful servants who are of the 
High Council of my Church in Zion, (for thus it shall'^be called,) and 
unto all the Elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-dav Saints, scattered abroad in all the world: FOR THUS 
SHALL MY CHURCH BE CALLED IN THE LAST DAYS, EVEN 
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS." 

13. Q. How can the Church of Christ be known from 
other religious societies? 

A. By various characteristics, among which may 
be named, its Priesthood and organization; its being led 
by a prophet having direct revelation from God; its 
enjoying the gifts and blessings of the Holy Ghost, and 
promising the same to all believers; its purity and con- 
sistency of doctrine; its unity and oneness of spirit; its 
gathering its members from amongst the wicked; its 
building of temples dedicated to the Lord, instead of 
building churches and chapels dedicated to men and 
women; its being persecuted and evil-spoken of by every 
other society and by every other people under heaven; 
and, lastly, men may know the Church of Christ by 
obeying its doctrine, and obtaining a testimony for 
themselves by revelation from God. 

14. Q. Is it the privilege of any man to receive a 
testimony for himself from God? 

A, Yes, if he honestly desires it, and seeks it in 
faith. John vii. 17. James i. 5, 6, 7. 

Repeat the passages. 

"If any man will do his will* he shall know of the doctrine, whether 
it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all 
men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let 
him ask in faith nothing" wavering. For he that wavereth is like a 
wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that 
man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord." 



53 



CHAPTER XV* 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS* 

1. Q. Has the Lord ever given to His people a code 
of laws or commandments for their moral guidance? 

A. He gave a code of ten commandments to His 
people in ancient times. 

2. Q. Did the Lord put any preface to these ten com- 
mandments? 

A. Yes, declaring that he was the Lord God. 
Ex. xx. 2. 

Repeat the passage. 

" I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land 
of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." 

3. Q. What does the first commandment teach us? 
A. To worship no God but the Lord. Ex. xx. 3. 

Repeat this commandment. 

" Thou shalt have no other Gods before me." 

4. Q. What does the second commandment teach us? 
A. Not to worship any image, or the likeness of 

any thing. Ex. xx. 4-6. 

Repeat this commandment. 

" Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any like- 
ness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth 
beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow 
down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a 
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children 
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And 
shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my 
commandments. " 

5. Q. What does the third commandment teach us? 
A. Not to take the name of the Lord in vain* 

Ex. xx. 7* 



54 

Repeat this eommandnient. 

M Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the 
Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." 

6. Q. What does the fourth commandment teach us? 
A. To keep holy the Sabbath Day. Ex. xx. 8-11. 

Repeat this commandment. 

" Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou 
labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of 
the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, 
nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy 
cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the 
Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and 
rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, 
and hallowed it." 

7. Q. If God commanded that the seventh day of the 
week should be kept holy as the Sabbath, how is it that 
people keep Sunday, which is the first day of the week? 

A, On the first day of the week the Lord Jesus 
Christ rose from the dead, and appeared to his disciples, 
and in honor or remembrance of his resurrection, pro- 
fessing Christians keep that day, instead of the seventh, 
holy as the Sabbath. But the Jews, who do not believe 
in Christ, keep holy the seventh day, or Saturday. 

8. Q. Which day do the Latter-day Saints keep 
holy? 

A. The first day of the week. 

9* Q. Is this in accordance with the will of the Lord? 
A. Yes. According to the practice of Joseph 
Smith, the Prophet, and the revelations he received. 
Doc and Cov. xix. 2, 3; xxii. 4. 

itepeat the passages. 

"And that thou mavest more fully keep thyself unspotted f rom 
the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy 
sacraments upon mv holy dav; for verily this is a day appointed unto 
you to rest from vour labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the 
'Most High; nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteous- 
ness on all days, and at all times; but remember that on this the 
Lord's dav, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto 
the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren and before the 
Lord. And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy 
food be prepared with singleness of heart." * . 

"And the inhabitants of Zion shall, also, observe the Sabbath day 
to keep it holy/' 



55 

10. Q. What does the fifth commandment teach us? 
A, To honor our parents. Ex. xx. 12. 

Kepeat the commandment. 

" Honor thv father and thy mother: that thy days may be long 
upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 

11. Q. What do the sixth, seventh, and eighth com- 
mandments teach us? 

A. Not to murder, commit adultery, nor steal. 
Ex. xx. 13, 14, 15. 

Repeat these three commandments. 
"Thou Shalt not kill." 
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." 
"Thou shalt not steal," 

12. Q. What does the ninth commandment teach us? 
A. Not to bear false witness. Ex. xx. 16. 

Repeat this commandment. 

" Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." 

13. Q. What does the tenth commandment teach us? 
A. Not to covet nor desire anything belonging to 

another person. Ex. xx. 17. 

Repeat this commandment. 

" Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet 
thy^neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid servant, nor 
his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's." 

14. Q. Into how many great commandments did 
Jesus Christ sum up these ten? 

A. Two— to love God, and to love our neighbor. 
Matt. xxii. 36-40. 

Repeat the passage. 

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said 
unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and 
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great 
commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law 
and the prophets," 

15. Q. When were these ten commandments given? 
A. About 3,300 years ago. 

16. Q. To what people were they given? 



56 



A. To the Twelve tribes of the Children of Israe , 
who descended from the twelve sons of Jacob, who was 
the son of Isaac, who w as the son of Abraham, the father 
of the faithful. 

17. Q. Who was the leader of the children of Israel 
at this time? 

A. Moses was their leader and President, and 
also a Prophet, Seer, and Bevelator. 

18. Q. In what part of the world did God give these 
ten commandments to the children of Israel? 

A. At Mount Sinia, in Arabia, in Asia. 

19. Q. How were these commandments revealed? 
Ai The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, and 

spake the commandments unto Moses and the children 
of Israel. 

20. Did God give any particular manifestations of 
His power on this occasion? 

A. Yes. He descended from heaven in fire and 
smoke, and there were thunder and lightning, and 
earthquake, and the sound of a trumpet. Ex. xix. 16 
18; xx. 18, 19. 

Kepeat the passages. 

"And it came to pass on the third day in the morning', that there 
were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and 
the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that 
was in the camp trembled. . . . And Mount Sinia was altogether 
on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke 
thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount 
quaked greatly." 

"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and 
the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the 
people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto 
Moses, Speak thou with us 3 and we will hear; but let not G-od speak 
with usj lest we die." 

21. Q. When the children of Israel said they did not 
wish the Lord to speak to them, but with Moses, what 
occurred? 

A. The Lord, through Moses, commanded them 
to get into their tents again, but Moses was to return to 



57 

the Lord to receive further commandments, andstatutes, 
and judgments. Deut. v. 28, 30, 31. 
Eepeat the passage. 

" And the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words 
of this people, which they have spoken unto thee. ... Go say to 
them, Get you into your tents again. But as for thee, stand thou 
here by me', and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and 
the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that 
they may do them in the land which I giveth them to possess it." 

22. Q. Did God give these ten commandments in any 
other way, while Moses was on the mount? 

A. God wrote them on two tables of stone, and 
gave them to Moses, to teach the people. Deut. v. 22; 
ix. 10. 

Eepeat the passages. 

"And he^wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them 
unto me." 

" And the Lord delivered unto me two tables of stone written with 
the finger of God, and on them was written according to all the words 
which the Lord spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the 
fire in the day of the assembly." 

23. Q. "What did Moses do then? 

A. He went down from the mount, taking with 
him the tables of stone, and he found that the children 
of Israel had made a golden calf in his absence, and they 
were worshiping it, and he became angry, and broke 
the two tables. Deut. ix. 15-17. 

Repeat the passage. 

" So I turned and came down from the mount, and the moun t 
burned with fire; and the two tables of the covenant were in my two 
hands. And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the Lord 
your God, and had made you a molten calf; ye had turned aside 
quickly out of the way which the Lord had commanded you. And 
I took the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and brake 
them before your eyes." 

24. Q. Were any other tables procured? 

A. Moses, by command of God, prepared two 
other tables, and took them into the mount, and God 
wrote the commandments upon them, as upon the 
others. Deut. x. 1-5. 

Repeat the passage. 

"At that time the Lord said unto me, Hew thee two tables of 



58 

stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and 
make thee an ark of wood. And I will write on the tables the words 
that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put 
them in the ark. And I made an ark of Shittim wood, and hewed 
two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, 
having- the two tables in mine hand. And he wrote on the tables, 
according- to the first writing-, the ten commandments, which the 
Lord spake unto you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the 
day of the assembly: and the Lord gave them unto me. And I turned 
myself and came down from the mount, and put the tables in the ark 
which I had made; and there they be, as the Lord commanded me." 



CHAPTER XVI. 

WORD OF WISDOM. 

1. Q, Has God given any particular revelation in 
these last days for the preservation of their lives and 
health to His people? 

A. Yes. He gave a revelation to Joseph Smith on 
this subject. 

2. Q. What is this revelation called? 
A, A Word of Y/isdom. 

3. Q. When was this revelation given? 
A. On the 27th of February, 1833. 

4. Q. Where can this Word of Wisdom be found? 

A. In the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Sec- 
tion lxxxi. 

5. Q. For what cause was this Word of Wisdom 
given? 

A. In consequence of evil designs in the hearts of 
the wicked. 



59 

6. Q. What does the title of this Word of Wisdotai 
teach us? 

A. That it was not sent by commandment, but to 
show forth the will of God, and also that the Word of 
Wisdom is suited to the condition of all Saints, young 
and old, male and female, without distinction. 

Repeat the title. 

" A Word of Wisdom for the benefit of the council of High Priests, 
assembled in Kirtland, and Church; and also the Saints in Zion* To 
be sent greeting— not by commandment or constraint , but by revela- 
lation and the AVord of Wisdom, shewing forth the order and will of 
God in the temporal salvation of all Saints in the last days. Given 
for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak 
and the weakest of all Saints, who are or can be called Saints." 

7. Q. What does the first paragraph or verse of this 
Word of Wisdom teach us? 

A. That it is not good to drink wine or strong 
drinks, excepting in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, 
and then it should be home-made grape wine; that it is 
not good to drink hot drinks, or chew or smoke tobacco; 
that strong drinks are for the washing of the body and 
that tobacco is an herb for bruises and sick cattle. 

Repeat this paragraph. 

"Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, In consequence of 
evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring 
men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giv- 
ing unto you this word of wisdom by revelation, that inasmuch as 
any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not 
good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling 
yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, 
behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, 
of your own make. And again, strong drinks are not for the belly, 
but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not 
for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an 
herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and 
skill. And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly," 

8. Q. What does the second paragraph teach us? 
A. That herbs and fruits are for the food of man; 
that grain is for the food of man, and beasts and fowls; 
and that flesh is not to be eaten by man, excepting in 
times of winter, cold, and famine. 

Repeat the paragraph. 

And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath 



60 

ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man. Every herb 
in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these 
to he used with prudence and thanksgiving. Yea, flesh also of 
beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the 
use of man, with thanksgiving", nevertheless they are to be used 
sparingly; and it is pleasing; unto me that they should not be used 
only in times of winter, or or cold, or famine. All grain is ordained 
for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of lif e, not only for 
man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all 
wild animals that run or creep on the earth; and these hath G-od 
made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of 
hung-er." 

9. Q. What does the third paragraph teach ns? 

A. That all grain is good for man, but more par- 
ticularly wheat for man, corn for oxen, oats for horses, 
rye for. fowls and beasts, barley for useful animals and 
for mild drinks for man. 

10. Q. What further does this paragraph teach us? 
A. That those who keep this Word of Wisdom, 

with the commandments of the Lord, shall receive 
health of body, and great wisdom and knowledge,, and 
shall be preserved when the destroying angel shall go 
forth to slay the wicked. 

Repeat the paragraph. 

44 All grain is good for the food of man, as also the fruit of the vine, 
that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground. 
Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the 
horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the 
field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also 
other grain. And all Saints who remember to keep and do these 
sayings, walking* in obedience to the commandments, shall receive 
health in their navel, and marrow to their bones, and shall find wis- 
dom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and 
shall run and not he weary, and shall walk and not faint; and I, the 
Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying* angel shall pass 
by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen." 

11. Q. Why is it not good to drink wine or strong 
drink? 

At Because they excite men unnaturally, inflame 
their stomachs, vitiate their appetites, and disorder their 
w T hole systems. 

12. Q. Why are not hot drinks good for man? 

A. Because they relax and weaken the stomach, 
and indeed the w T hole body. 



Gl 

13. Q. Why is it not good to smoke or chew tobacco? 

A, Because those habits are very filthy, and 
tobacco is of a poisonous nature, and the use of it debases 
men. 

14. Q. Why should flesh be eaten by man in winter, 
and in times of famine, and n©t at other times? 

A. Flesh is heating to the human system, there- 
fore it is not good to eat flesh in summer; but God allows 
His people to eat it in winter, and in times of famine, 
because all animals suffer death naturally, if they do not 
by the hand of man. 

15. Q. As the Lord has been so good as to give this 
Word of Wisdom for the salvation of His people, what 
must He think of those Vho treat that word with con- 
tempt or indifference? 

A. That they despise His counsel, or at least do 
not appreciate it as they should. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

PRIESTHOOD— ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH. 

1. Q. How is the Church of Christ governed? 
A. By the Holy Priesthood. 

2. Q. Under how many grand heads is the Holy 
Priesthood divided? 

A. Two — the Melchisedek Priesthood, which is the 
higher; and the Aaronic Priesthood, which is the lesser. 



62 



3. Q. Why is the higher Priesthood called the Mel- 
chisedek Priesthood? 

A. Because Melchisedek was such a great High 
Priest; and also to avoid the too frequent use of Jehovah's 
name, as this Priesthood used to be called after the order 
of His Son. Doc. and Cov. iii. 1. 

Repeat the passage. 

" Why the first is called the Melchisedek Priesthood, is because 
Melchisedek was such a great High Priest. Before his day it was 
called the holy priesthood, after the order of the Son of God; but out 
of respect or reverence to the name of the supreme being, to avoid 
the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the Church, in ancient 
days, called that Priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek 
Priesthood." 

4. Q. What power and authority belong to the Mel- 
chisedek Priesthood? 

A. To hold the right of Presidency, to receive 
revelations from heaven for the guidance of the Church, 
and to hold the keys of all its spiritual blessings. Doc. 
and Cov. iii. 3, 9. 

Repeat the passage. 

"The Melchisedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and 
has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages 

of the world, to administer in spiritual things The power 

and authority of the higher or Melchisedek Priesthood, is to hold the 
keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— to have the privi- 
lege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven— to have 
the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly 
and church of the first-born, and to enjoy the communion and 
presence of God tjie Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new 
covenant." 

5. Q. What power and authority belong to the Aaro- 
nic Priesthood? 

A. To hold the keys of the ministering of angels, 
and to administer in outward ordinances. Doc. and 
Cov. iii. 10. 

Repeat the passage. 

"The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic priesthood, is 
to hold the keys of the ministering of angels* and to administer in 
outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel— the baptism of repent- 
ance for the remission of sins, agreeable to the covenants and 
commandments. " 



63 

6. Q. Why is this Priesthood called the lesser Priest- 
hood? 

A. Because it is an appendage to the Melchisedek 
Priesthood. Doc. and Coy. iii. 8. 

Repeat the passage. 

"Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because it is an appendage 
to the greater or the Melchisedek priesthood, and has power in ad- 
ministering outward ordinances." 

7. Q. Why is the lesser Priesthood called the Aaronic 
Priesthood? 

A. It is called the Aaronic Priesthood, because it 
was conferred upon Aaron and his seed for ever. Doc. and 
Cov. iii. 8. 

Repeat the passage. 

" The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because 
it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed throughout all their 
generations." 

8. Q. Why was this Priesthood called the Levitical 
Priesthood? 

A. Because the Lord chose the tribe of Levi, from 
the children of Israel, to be given to Aaron, and to his 
sons, to minister in the outward ordinances of the Lord's 
house. Numb. iii. 5-9. 

Repeat the passage. 

" And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying; Bring the tribe of Levi 
near, and present them bef ore Aaron the priest, that they may min- 
ister unto him. And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of 
the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, 
to do the service of the tabernacle. And they shall keep all the 
instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge 
of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. And 
thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons; they are 
wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel." 

9. Q. Why did the Lord choose the Levites to minis- 
ter before Him? 

A. He chose the Levites to minister before Him, 
instead of the first-born among the children of Israel, 
for He had previously chosen the first-born of Israel for 
that purpose. Numb. iii. 11-13. 



64 

Repeat the passage. 

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, And I, behold, I bare 
taken the Levltes from among- the children of Israel instead of all 
the first-horn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel; 
therefore the Levites shall he mine; Because all the first-born are 
mine; for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of 
Egypt I hallowed unto me all the first-born in Israel, both man and 
beast; mine shall they be: I am the Lord." 

10. Q. What offices does the Melchisedek Priesthood 
include? 

A. Apostle, Seventy, Patriarch or Evangelist, 
High Priest, and Elder. 

11. Q. What is the duty of an Apostle? 

A. To be a special witness of the name of Christ, 
to build up, organize, and preside over the Church, and 
to administer in all its ordinances and blessings. 

12. Q, What is the duty of a Patriarch? 

A. It is the duty of a Patriarch to bless the father- 
less in the Church, foretelling what shall befall them 
and their generations. Ke also holds authority to ad- 
minister in the other ordinances of the Church. Doc. 
and Cov. ciii. 38. 

Repeat the passage. 

" To be a patriarch unto you, to hold the sealing 1 blessings of my 
church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, -whereby ye are sealed up 
unto the dav of redemption, that ye may not fall, notwithstanding 
the hour of " temptation that may come upon you." 

13. Q. Why does the Patriarch bless the Saints? 

A. That they may ever be reminded of the bless- 
ings within their reach, and be stimulated to constant 
faith and diligence in striving after them, and so endure 
to the end, and inherit the promises of the Lord. 

14. Q. What is the duty of a Seventy? 

A, To travel into all the world, and preach the 
Gospel, and administer in its ordinances and blessings. 
Doc. and Cov. iii. 13, 43. 



65 

itepeat the passage. 

" The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direc- 
tion of the twelve or the traveling; high council, in building* up the 
church and regulating* all the affairs of the same in all nations— first 
unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews; the twelve being sent out, 
holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel 
of Jesus Christ— and first unto the Gentiles and then unto the 

Jews And these seventy are to be traveling ministers 

unto the Gentiles first, and also unto the Jews; whereas other offi- 
cers of the church, who belong" not unto the twelve, neither to the 
seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, 
but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow notwithstanding 
they may hold as high and responsible offices in the Church." 

15. Q. What is the duty of a High Priest? 

A. To administer in the ordinances and blessings 
of the Church, but his special duty is to preside. Doc. 
and Cov. iii. 5; ciii. 42. 

Bepeat the passages. 

"High priests after the order of the Melchisedek priesthood, have a 
right to officiate in their own standing", under the direction of the 
presidency, in administering" spiritual thing's; and also in the office of 
an elder, priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and 
member." 

" Who shall be appointed standing Presidents or servants over 
different stakes scattered abroad, and they may travel also if they 
choose, but rather be ordained for standing Presidents, this is the 
office of their calling", saith the Lord your G od. " 

16. Q. What are all the officers in the Melchisedek 
Priesthood called? 

A. They are called Eiders. 

17. Q. What is the duty of an Elder? 

A. To preach and baptize; to ordain other Elders, 
and also Priests, Teachers, and Deacons; to administer 
the Lord's Supper; to lay on hands for the Gift of the 
Holy Ghost; to bless children; and to take the lead of all 
meetings. Doc. and Cov. ii. 6, 9, 19; iii. 6, 7. 

Eepeatthe passages. 

"It is his calling" to baptize and to ordain other elders, priests, 
teachers, and deacons, and to administer bread and wine— the em- 
blems of the flesh and blood of Christ—and to confirm those "who are 
baptized into the church, by the laying" on of hands for the baptism 
of fire and the Holy Ghost, according: to the scriptures; and to teach, 
expound, exhort, baptize and watch over the church; and to confirm 
the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving" of the Holy 
Ghost and to take the lead of all meetings. The elders are to con- 



66 

duct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost? according to the 

commandments and revelations of God Every member 

of the Church of Christ having" children, is to bring them unto 
the Elders before the Church, who are to lay their hands upon them 
in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name." 

" An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest 
is not present. The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual 
things, agreeable to the covenants and commandments of the church; 
and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church 
When there are no higher authorities present." 

18. Q. What offices does the A aronie Priesthood in- 
clude? 

A. Bishop, Priest, Teacher and Deacon. 

19. Q. What is the duty of a Bishop? 

A. To preside over all the lesser offices of the 
Aaronic Priesthood, to minister in outward ordinances,, 
to conduct the temporal business of thfe Church, and to 
sit as a judge on transgressors. Doc. aii'd dov. iii. 32, 33. 

Repeat the passage. 

" The office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things; . 
. . also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business or the Church, to 
sit in judgment upon transgressors, upon testimony as it shall be laid 
before him according to the laws. . • . Thus shall he be a judge,, 
even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of 
Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto 
this ministry." 

20. Q. What is the duty of a Priest? 

A. To preach, baptize, administer the Sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper, and visit and exhort the Saints. 
Doc. and Cov. ii. 10. 

Repeat the passage. 

" The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and bap- 
tize, and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each mem- 
ber, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all 
family duties; and he may also ordain other priests, teachers and 
deacons. And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no 
elder present; but when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, 
teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and visit the house of each 
member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to 
all family duties. In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder 
if occasion requires." 

21. Q. What are the duties of a Teacher and a Deacon? 
A. The duty of a Teacher is to watch over and 



/ 



67 

strengthen the Church, and to see that the Saints live in 
love and union, and do their duty. The duty of a Dea- 
con is to assist the Teacher in his duties, and attend to 
the comfort of the Saints. Doc. and Cov. ii. 11. 

Kepeat the passage. 

"The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be 
with and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in 
the church—neither hardness with each other — neither lying-, back- 
biting-, nor evil-speaking; and see that the church meet together 
often, and also see that all the members do their duty; and he is to 
take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest— and 
is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, 
if occasion requires; but neither teachers nor deacons have authority 
to baptize, adminisister the sacrament, or lay on hands; they are, 
however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come 
unto Christ." 



22. Q. How is the Priesthood conferred on man? 
A. By ordination. 

23. Q. How are men ordained to the Priesthood? 

A. Those who hold the Priesthood ordain others 
to it, according to the gifts and callings of God unto 
them; and they are ordained by the power of the Holy 
Ghost, through the laying on of hands. Doc. and Cov. 
ii. 12. Book of Mormon, Moroni iii. Ii 

Repeat the passages. 

"Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained accord- 
ing to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained 
by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains 
him." 

"The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the 
church, ordained priests and teachers. After they had prayed unto 
the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, 
and said, In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest, (or, 
if he be a teacher; I ordain you to be a teacher,) to preach repentance 
and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith 
on his name to the end. Amen. And after this manner did they or- 
dain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God 
unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, 
which was in them." 

24. Q. Can any man take the Priesthood to himself? 
A. No man can hold the Priesthood unless he is 

called of God, through one who holds it. Heb. v. 4, 
Doc. and Cov. xiii. 4. 



OS 



Eepeat the passages. 

"And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called 
of God, as was Aaron." 

" Again, I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go 
forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be 
ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the 
church that he has authority, and has been regularly ordained by 
the heads of the church." 

25. Q. From whence is the Holy Priesthood given in 
the first instance? 

A. Direct from heaven. 

26. Q. Is there any great general principle connected 
with ordination? 

A. Yes. Any man who holds an office in the 
Priesthood, can ordain others to the same, or to any 
inferior office, but not to any superior office. 

27. Q. Is there any great general principle connected 
with the ministrations of the Priesthood? 

A. Yes. A man who holds an office in the 
Priesthood, can minister in his own office, or in any 
inferior office, but not in any superior office. 

28. Q. Are the different offices in the Priesthood par- 
ticularly organized? 

A. Yes. They are organized into various quo- 
rums for the efficient and harmonious performance of 
their duties in the Church. 

29. Q. What are the various quorums in the Church? 
A, The first Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, the 

High Council, the Seventies, the High Priests, the 
Elders, the Priests, the Teachers, and the Deacons. 

30. Q. What is the First Presidency? 

A. Three, chosen from those who hold the High 
Priesthood and Apostleship, to preside over, and direct 
the affairs of, the whole Church. This quorum consists 
of a President of the office of the High Priesthood, and 
two, Counselors. The duty of this President is to preside 



69 

over the whole Church, and to be a Seer, a Revelator, a 
Translator, and a Prophet. Doc. and Cov. iii. 11, 42 

Repeat the passage. 

"Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, three presiding" high priests 
chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld 
by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of 

tne presidency of the church And again, the duty of the 

president of the office of the high priesthood is to preside over the 
whole church, and to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom; 
yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all 
the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church." 

31. Q. Who was the first President of the Church? 
A. Joseph Smith, the Prophet. 

32. Q. Who were his Counselors? 

A. Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams. 
The latter was dismissed and Hyrum Smith was ap- 
pointed in his place, and so continued until he was 
ordained presiding Patriarch, when William Law was 
appointed Counselor, and apostatized. 

33. Q. Who are the First Presidency of the Church? 
A. Brigham Young, President; George A. Smith 

and Daniel H. Wells, Counselors. 

34. Q. Who is the Presiding Patriarch? 

A. John Smith, eldest son of Hyrum Smith, the 
Patriarch. 

35. Q. What are the Twelve Apostles? 

A. They are organized as a Traveling Presiding 
High Council, to build up the Church, and regulate its 
affairs, in all the world, under the direction of the First 
Presidency of the Church. Doc. and Cov. iii. 11, 12, 17. 
Repeat the passage. 

"The twelve traveling" counselors are called to be the twelve 
apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world; 
thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their 

calling- The twelve are a traveling presiding high council, 

to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the presi- 
dency of the church, agreeable to the institution of heaven; to 
build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all 
nations; first unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews. . . . 
It is the duty of the twelve, in all large branches of the church, to 
ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them 
by revelation," 



36. Q. Who constitute the present Quorum of the 
Twelve Apostles? 

A. Orson Hyde, President; Orson Pratt, John 
Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo 
Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. 
Cannon, Brighani Young, Jun., Joseph F. Smith and 
Albert Carrington. 

37. Q. Of what does the High Council consist, and 
what are its duties? 

A, The High Council consists of Twelve High 
Priests, and is set apart for the purpose of settling im- 
portant difficulties which may arise in the Church. 
Doc. and Cov. v. 1. 

Repeat the passage. 

The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of 
settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which 
could not be settled by the church or the bishops' council to the 
satisfaction of the parties." 

38. Q. How are the Seventies organized? 

A. Into quorums of seventy Elders each, from 
which number seven are chosen to preside. The seven 
Presidents of the first quorum of Seventies preside over 
all the quorums. Doc. and Cov. iii. 43. 

Repeat the passage. 

"And it is according to the vision showing the order of the seventy, 
that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen 
out of the number of the seventy; and the seventh president of these 
presidents is to preside over the six; and these seven presidents are 
to choose other seventy besides the first seventy, to whom they be- 
long, and are to preside over them; and also other seventy, until 
seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity re- 
quire it." 

39. Q. Who are the present seven Presidents of the 
first quorum of Seventies. 

A. Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry 
Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge, 
Jacob Gates, and John Van Cott. 

40. Q. Do the Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Beacons 
constitute separate quorums, with their respective Presi- 
dency? 



71 

A. Yes, the members of each office constitute a 
distinct quorum, which has a. President and Jiis two 
Counselors. 

41. Q. What is the Presidency of the Aaronic Priest- 
hood? 

A. The Bishopric. Doc. and Coy. iii. 8. 
Repeat the passage. 

" The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the 
keys or authority of the same." 

42. Q. Who has a legal right to this office? 

A. No one, except he be a literal descendant of 
Aaron. Doc. and Cov. iii. 8, 32; xxii. 2. 

Repeat thepassages. 

" No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this 
priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron. . . . For 
unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of 
that priesthood." 

" If thay be literal descendants of Aaron, they have a legal right to 
the bishopric, if they are the first-born among the sons of Aaron; for 
the first-born holds the right of the Presidency over this priesthood, 
and the keys or authority of the same. No man has a legal right to 
this office to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal 
descendant and the first-born of AaVon." 

43. Q. By whom must a literal descendant of Aaron 
be ordained to the Bishopric? 

A. By^the Presidency of the Melehisedek Priest- 
hood. Doc. and Cov /xxii. 2. 

Repeat the passage. 

"And a literal descendant of Aaron, also, must be designated by 
this presidency, and found worthy and anointed, and ordained under 
the hands of this presidency, otherwise they are not legally author- 
ized to officiate in their priesthood; but by virtne of the decree con- 
cerning their right of the priesthood descending from father to son, 
they may claim their anointing, if at any time they can prove their 
lineage, or do ascertain it by revelation from the Lord under the 
hands of the above named presidency." 

44. Q.^When'no literal^descendant of Aaron can be 
found, how is the office of a Bishop filled? 

A. A High Priest of the Melehisedek Priesthood, 
having authority to officiate in the lesser Priesthood, can 



n 

fill the office of a Bishop, but he must be ordained and 
set apart by the Presidency of the Melchisedek Priest- 
hood. Doc. and Gov. iii, 8. 

Eepeat the passage. 

"But as a high priest of the Melchisedek priesthood has authority 
to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of 
bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided 
he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands 
of the presidency of the Melchisedek priesthood." 

45. Q. What difference exists between the authority 
of a Bishop from the High Priesthood, and that of a 
Bishop who is a literal descendant of Aaron? 

A. A Bishop from the High Priesthood can act in 
the Bishop's office, with the assistance of Counselors; a 
Bishop who is a literal descendant of Aaron can act 
independently, without Counselors, except on the trial 
of a President of the High Priesthood of Melchisedek. 
Doc. and Cov. iii. 32, 34. 

Repeat the passage. 

" Nevertheless, a high priest that is after the order of Melchisekek, 
may be set apart unto the administering of temporal things, having a 
knowledge of them by the spirit of truth, and also to be a judge in 
Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon 
transgressors, upon the testimony as it shall be laid before him 
according to the' laws, by the assistance of his counselors whom he 
has chosen, or will choose among the elders of the church. 
This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron, 
but has been ordained to the high priesthood after the order of 
Melchisedek. . . . But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal 
right to the presidency or this priesthood, to the keys of this minis- 
try, to act in the office of bishop independently, without counselors, 
except in a case where a president of the high priesthood, after the 
order of Melchisedek, is tried, to sit as a judge in Israel." 

46. Q. Who at present presides over the Aaronic 
Priesthood in the Church? 

A. Edward Hunter is now the presiding Bishop 
in the Church. 



78 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

DISPENSATION OP THE PUIXNESS OF TIMES* 

1. Q, What are we to understand by a dispensation, 
in connection with the work of God? 

A. The opening of the heavens to men, the bestow" 
ing of the Holy Priesthood with all its powers upon 
them, and the organization and building up of the 
Church of Christ upon the earth, for the salvation of all 
who will obey the Gospel. 

2. Q Have many dispensations been given to man 
since the Fall? 

A. Yes, veiy many. 

3. Q. Name a few of the principal. 

A. One was opened through Adam, who blessed 
his posterity, and told them what should befall them to 
the latest generation; one through Enoch, who, with his 
people, was translated without seeing death; one through 
Noah, who, with his family, was saved in an ark when 
the world was drowned; one through the brother of 
Jared, when he and his friends were led from the Tower 
of Babel to America; one through Abraham, God promis- 
ing to him and his seed the land of Caanan for an ever- 
lasting inheritance; one through Jacob, the father of the 
Twelve Tribes of Israel; one through Moses, who led the 
Children of Israel from the land of Egypt to the land of 
Caanan; one through Lehi, when he, with his family, 
went from Jerusalem to America; one through Jesus 
Christ, when He established His Church in Asia and 
America, and was crucified at Jerusalem; and one 
through Joseph Smith in these last days. 



74 



4. Q. Which is the greatest dispensation? 

A. The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, 
opened through Joseph Smith. 

o. Q. Why is this called the Dispensation of the Full- 
ness of Times? 

A. Because it is the last dispensation of God to 
man, in which the fulness of truth will be revealed for 
the salvation and exaltation of the human family. 

6. Q. When and how was this dispensation com- 
menced? 

A. About the year 1820, whilst Joseph Smith, who 
then lived at Manchester, Ontario County, New York, 
was praying to theXord to teach him the true religion, 
a vision of the heavens opened unto him, two glorious 
persons descended towards him, and one, pointing to 
the other, said, "This is my beloved Son, hear him. 7 7 

7. Q. Who were these two persons? 

A. God, the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. 

8. Q. What instruction did Joseph Smith receive at 
this time? 

A. He was told that all the religious societies on 
the earth were teaching incorrect doctrines, and that he 
must join none of them. 

9. Q. Did he receive any further revelations from 
God? 

A, Yes. On the night of the 21st of September, 
1823, the angel Moroni appeared to him three times, 
giving him much instruction, and informing him that 
God had a work for him to do, which should cause his 
name to be 'good and evil spoken of among all people, 
also that a record, written upon gold plates, and giving 
an account of the ancient inhabitants of America, and 
the dealings of God with them, was deposited in a par- 
ticular place in the earth, and, with the record, two 



75 



stones in silver bows, which were anciently called the 
Urim and Thummim, and by which God revealed intel- 
ligence to His people. 

10. Q. Was Joseph Smith favored with any other 
revelation? 

A. Whilst in the field the next day, the angel 
again appeared to him, commanding him to tell his 
vision, and the commandments he had received, to his 
father. 

11. Q. Did Joseph Smith do this? 

A. Yes, and his father told him he must do as the 
angel had directed, as it was of God. Joseph conse- 
quently went to the place where the plates were hid, and 
found them in a stone box, hid in a hill which the 
Nephites called Cumorah. He raised the stone, saw the 
plates, the CJrim and Thummim, and the breastplate, 
and made an attempt to take them out, but the angel 
appeared again unto him, and told him the time was not 
come, but would be four years longer. He was also 
informed that he must go to the place once a year, until 
the time appointed, and the angel would meet him there. 
This Joseph Smith did, and he received instruction each 
time. 

12. Q. What occurred at the end of the four years? 
A, On the 22d of September, 1827, the angel placed 

in his hands the Plates, the Urim and Thummim, and 
the breastplate, charging him to keep them safe. The 
plates were near eight inches long by seven wide, and a 
little thinner than ordinary tin, and were bound together 
by three rings, running through the whole. The plates 
altogether were about six inches thick, and were neatly 
engraved on each side with hieroglyphics, in a language 
called the Reformed Egyptian, not then known on the 
earth. 

13. Q. What did Joseph Smith do with the plates? 



76 

A. He translated them, by the power of God, 
through the Urim and Thummim, enduring much per- 
secution at the time, from religious people, who said he 
was an impostor. 



14. Q. Did any other person see these plates? 

A, The Lord, by a heavenly messenger, showed 
the plates to three witnesses, and Joseph Smith showed 
the plates by commandment to eight witnesses. The 
translation was printed in the year 1830, and called the 
Book of Mormon. The testimony of these eleven wit- 
nesses was also printed with it, 



Eepeat their testimony. 

"The testimony of three witnesses. Be it known unto all nations, 
kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom this work shall come, that 
we, through the grace of G-od the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 
have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of 
the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and 
also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath 
been spoken; and we also know that they have been translated bv the 
gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; where- 
fore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify 
that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and 
they have been shewn unto us by the power of God and not of man. 
And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came 
down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we 
beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know 
that it is by the grace of God the Father, and iour'Lord Jesus Christ, 
that we beheld and bear record that these things are true; and it is 
marvelous in our eyes, nevertheless the voice of the Lord com- 
manded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obe- 
dient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these 
things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid 
our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before 
the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in 
the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and 
to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen." 

Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris." 



" And also the testimony of eight witnesses. Be it known unto all 
nations, kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom this work shall 
come, that Joseph Smith, jun., the translator of this work, has shewn 
unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the ap- 
pearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has 
translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the 
engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, 
and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words 
of soberness, that the said Smith has shewn unto us, for we have 
seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the 



77 



plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the 
world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen; and we 
he not, God hearing witness of it." 



15. Q. Were the engravings on all the plates trans- 
lated? 

A. No. Some of the plates were sealed, and were 
not to be translated at that time. After the translation 
of the unsealed plates was completed, both those whicb 
were sealed, and those which were unsealed, were re- 
turned t© the care of the angel. 

16. Q. How many races of people does the Book of 
Mormon give an account of? 

A. Two— the Jaredites, who went from the tower 
of Babel; and two colonies which left Jerusalem about 
2400 years ago, or about 600 years before the birth of 
Christ. The history of all these people wa3 engraved on 
the plates, and hid in the earth about 1400 years ago. 
The North American Indians are the descendants of 
those who went from Jerusalem. 

17. Q. Did Joseph Smith receive power to organize 
and build up the Church of Christ? 

A. Yes. On the 15th of May, 1829, Joseph Smith 
and Oliver Cowdery went into the woods to pray, and 
while praying, a heavenly messenger, John the Baptist, 
the forerunner of Jesus, descended in a bright light, laid 
his hands upon their heads, ordained them to the Aaro- 
nic Priesthood, and commanded them to baptize and 
re-ordain each other. This they did, Joseph Smith bap- 
tizing Oliver Cowdery, and he baptizing Joseph, and 
then Joseph re-ordaining Oliver, and he re-ordaining 
Joseph. 



"Christian Whitmer, 
Peter Whitmer, Jun., 
Hiram Page, 
Hyrum Smith, 



Jacob Whitmer, 
John Whitmer, 
Joseph Smith, Sen., 
Samuel H. Smith." 



78 



18. Q. Did Joseph Smith receive the Melchisedek 
Priesthood? 

A. Yes, after he had received the Aaronie Priest- 
hood, he was ordained to the Melchisedek Priesthood, 
under the hands of Peter, James, and John, Apostles of 
Jesus Christ, and who held the keys of that Priesthood. 

19. Q. Where and when was the Church of Christ 
organized by Joseph Smith? 

A. It was organized at Fayette, Seneca County, 
New York, on the 6th of April, 1830, and consisted of six 
members. 

20. Q. Did the Church rapidly increase? 

A. Yes, many people believed the Gospel, and 
entered the Church, and the gifts of the Spirit were en- 
joyed by the Saints. In 1831, a settlement was formed 
in Geauga, now Lake County, Ohio, and another in 
Jackson County, Missouri. On the 3d of August, in the 
same year, the spot for a temple was dedicated at Inde- 
pendence, Jackson County, Missouri, and in 1833 the 
Saints were driven from that place into neighboring 
counties. 

21. Q. How did the Saints get on in those neighbor- 
ing counties and also in Ohio? 

A. They were much persecuted, and finally they 
had to leave Ohio in 1838; and in the winter of that year 
and 1839, they were driven, by cruel mobs, from Mis- 
souri. They then settled on the Mississippi river, and 
built up a beautiful city, which they called Nauvoo. 

22. Q. Have the Saints built any temple to the Lord? 
A. Yes, two — One at Kirtland, Ohio, at the dedi- 
cation of which, in 1836, the power and glory of God 
were displayed in a remarkable manner; another at 
Nauvoo, which was dedicated in May, 1846. 



79 



23. Q. What particular event happened to the 
Church in 1844? 

A, The Murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, in 
Carthage jail, June 27, by an armed mob, with their 
faces blackened. But the murderers were never brought 
to justice. 

2L Q. Was Joseph Smith ever condemned by the 
laws of the land? 

A. Never, although his enemies embroiled him 
in about fifty lawsuits. 

25. Q. After Joseph Smith's death; on whom'fell the 
responsibility of directing the affairs of the church? 

A. On the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with 
Brigham Young as theirPresident. 

26. Q. Did Joseph Smith before his death bestow all 
the keys and powers of the Holy Priesthood upon the 
Twelve Apostles? 

A. Yes, every key that was necessary to save and 
exalt mankind in tne celestial kingdom of God. Mill. 
Star, vol. x., page 115. 

Repeat the passage. 

"There is not one key or power to'be bestowed on this Church, to 
lead the people into the celestial gate, but I have given you, showed 
you, and talked it over to you; the kingdom is set up, and you have 
the perfect pattern, and you can go and build up the kingdom, and 
go in at the celestial gate, taking your train with you." 

27. Q. How long did the Saints stay at^_Nauvoo? 

A. Until the year 1846,when they were compelled 
to leave that place, and go into the wilderness, to seek 
another home. In July, 1847, they made a settlement 
in Great Salt Lake Valley, where, on, the 6th of April, 
1853, they laid the "corner, stones of another temple. 
There and in the surrounding valleys the Saints have 
continued to this time to live in happiness and pros- 
perity. 



28. Q. Where and when were President Brigham 
Young and his two Counselors, Heber C. Kimball and 
Willard Biehards, publicly recognized as the First Pres- 
idency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints? 

A. At a General Conference held at Council Bluffs, 
Potawatamie County, Iowa, on the 24th of December, 
1847. 

29. Q. Has the Gospel been preached very exten- 
sively already? 

A. It has been preached in the principal nations 
of the earth, and it will speedily go forth and be pro- 
claimed to every nation, and kindred, and tribe, and 
people, that all the inhabitants of the earth may repent 
of their sins, escape the judgments which God is about 
to pour out upon the wicked, and be prepared to stand 
when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from the 
heavens in flaming fire, to take vengeance upon the 
disobedient, reward the obedient, and reign in peace 
and righteousness upon the earth. 

30. Q. "Will the Lord inflict great judgments upon 
the wicked? 

A. He will visit them with war and famine, 
plague and pestilence, until they are utterly wasted. 

31. Q. How will the righteous be engaged during the 
time the wicked are thus punished? 

A. Those who obey the Gospel will gather together 
on the continent of America, and build up the New 
Jerusalem, and other cities, and also many temples to 
the Lord, and become a holy, prosperous, and mighty 
people, and will be called the Zion of the Lord, and He 
will reveal His knowledge and power, and glory among 
them, to the astonishment of the nations. 

32. Q. Where will the New Jerusalem be com- 
menced? 



81 



A. In Jackson County, Missouri, where a temple, 
the site of which was dedicated in 1831, will be eventu- 
ally built. 

33. Q. Why will so many temples be erected? 

A. Because in them the Saints will be baptized 
for those persons who have died without a knowledge 
of the Gospel, and will attend to all the ordinances of 
salvation and exaltation for themselves and their dead 
friends. 




CATECHISM FOR CHILDREN, 



EXHIBITING TJ4K 



PROMINENT DOCTRINES 



By ELDER JOHN JAv)UES. 



FIFTEENTH THOUSAND, 



Salt Haft? €ttg 



FOB SALE AT DESERE. EWS OFFICE, THE CHURCH BOOK TIBiPOT. 
PUBLISHED BY GEORGE Q. CANNON, 



X S V o . 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 i 
(724) 779-2111 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




0 017 788 455 8 • 



